21-year-old son of Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh dies ‘of accidental overdose’: ‘Words cannot express our profound sadness’
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh and his family are mourning the death of his eldest son Jack, aged 21, after a reported accidental overdose.
Jack died on Friday, September 11, devastating his family and prompting an outpouring of support from the rugby community.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Jack’s death was caused by an accidental overdose. The family did not discuss the circumstances of his death in a statement remembering a much-loved son whose warmth touched those around him.
‘Words cannot express the profound sadness we feel at the loss of our beloved son, Jack,’ the family said.
‘Jack was a fun-loving young man whose warmth and spirit touched all who knew him, and he will remain forever in our hearts.
‘As we come to terms with the shock of his passing, we kindly ask that the privacy of his family and friends be respected during this time of grief. We are deeply grateful for the messages of love and support we have received.’
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh is mourning the death of his eldest son Jack (pictured left), aged just 21
Jack Waugh died on September 11, with reports stating his death was caused by an accidental drug overdose
Jack was the eldest of two sons Waugh shared with his former wife Michelle. The former Wallabies forward also has two younger children with his second wife Abbe.
Jack’s younger brother Charlie shared photographs on Instagram alongside a tribute to the sibling who had protected him and helped shape his life.
‘To my big Brother,I love you more than words could ever explain. You helped me grow into the person I am today, always looked out for me and protected me when I needed it most. I’ll carry everything you taught me for the rest of my life.
‘I know you’ll be looking over me from wherever you are, and I know you’ll always be rooting for me. I hope I can make you proud.
‘Rest easy Jack, I love you, always and forever.’
Hundreds of messages of support were left beneath Charlie’s post as friends and members of the sporting community offered their condolences.
Jack, who enjoyed surfing and boxing, had overcome a difficult start to life after being born 13 weeks prematurely.
He weighed 1040 grams at birth and dropped to 970 grams, spending his first 12 weeks in intensive care.
Charlie remembered Jack as a protective older brother who helped shape the person he has grown into today
Waugh was playing for the NSW Waratahs at the time. He later spoke about the uncertainty he and Michelle faced as they waited to learn whether their son would survive without lasting complications.
‘So quite confronting when you have hopes of a healthy newborn, and they come 13 weeks early. And at that weight, it’s quite terrifying for any parent,’ Waugh told 2GB in 2019.
‘We were in intensive care for 12 weeks, and obviously you just don’t know what the outcome’s going to be. But also not just the short-term outcome but also the long-term effects.
‘And we’ve been particularly lucky with our son Jack, and he’s got no issues today but certainly others aren’t as lucky as what we are.’
The experience inspired Waugh to become an ambassador for the Miracle Babies Foundation, which supports premature and sick newborns and their families.
Waugh, 46, played in Australia’s 2003 Rugby World Cup final against England and captained the Waratahs during his playing career.
He subsequently joined the Rugby Australia board before being appointed chief executive in 2023, becoming the first former Wallabies player to hold the position.
