The Neil (Tiny) Betts Rugby Foundation is named in honor of legendary Souths, Queensland and Australian prop, Neil ‘Tiny’ Betts and is to support Souths Rugby Union Club and the sport of Rugby Union in Queensland.

From his Queensland debut against the Wallabies in 1948 to his final state cap against Sydney in 1956, Neil was the cornerstone of the Queensland scrum. Facing Maori, All Black, Fijian and Springbok packs, as well as southern domestic rivals New South Wales who often boasted a pack of international forwards, Neil provided his home state with a staunch and enduring service.

Betts attained the unusual distinction of playing the All Blacks three times in a week – for Queensland in Toowoomba, Brisbane at the Brisbane Cricket Ground and in the third Test match - also at the BCG. In all, he featured against the All Blacks in five of their twelve matches.

After nine seasons in the Queensland jersey, Betts confined himself to club Rugby. His brother, Kevin, stood down after 142 first grade games for Souths to coach the side in 1958 with Neil as captain. The team went on to win the premiership. 

“This was the happiest day of my life,” Betts announced. “I didn’t think we’d ever win. Playing for Australia was great but it couldn’t beat this win.” 

In all, Neil Betts played seven games for Australia between 1949 and 1954, including three Test matches and forty-three games for Queensland, five as captain. A Souths stalwart, Betts featured in 174 first grade games between 1948 and 1958, coached the club and was president of Souths for 11 years. He became a State selector in 1960 and was a made a life member of the QRU in 1969.

Souths Rugby Union Club was formed in 1948 (Juniors in 1963) and proudly boasts being the most successful rugby club in Australia. Since its inception, Souths has produced over 70 Queensland representatives and over 30 Australian representatives. Our Junior and Senior Clubs merged in 2016 and our Under 6s to Premier Grade players are proud to be a part of the Magpie Army. We play the game and run our club with discipline, control and mutual self-respect.

The resources required to maintain a successful rugby club are significant - the cost base large - the technical expertise necessary, world class. These are challenges the Club alone cannot meet. It is thus the goal of the Foundation to provide financial and commercial independence. The Club must continue to attract the leading players, coaches, support and technical staff. It must have state of the art resources, facilities and grounds. The Foundation will work with the Club to achieve these outcomes.

Please make a tax deductible donation today in support.