Brendon ‘Raggs’ Raggett tributes flow after sudden death

Heartbroken friends and family are remembering a “yappy” half back who always made time for others after the Sunshine Coast rugby union stalwart's shock death.

Brendon "Raggs" Raggett is being remembered as a generous and “larger than life” man who loved his rugby union. (left)

The Sunshine Coast’s rugby union community has been rocked by the sudden death of father-of-three Brendon “Raggs” Raggett.

The former Maroochydore Rugby Union Club player, coach and president is being remembered for his “larger than life” personality.

Friends have shared touching tributes and funny stories – from the moment he encouraged a young player with a “yeehaw” to donning a dress and pigtails for an Oktoberfest-themed footy trip.

Mr Raggett was most recently a manager at the Sunshine Coast Brothers Club for the 2023 season.

It is understood he was in his early 50s and had celebrated his birthday in the days before his recent death.

His wife Glenda shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband in a GoFundMe page, created to help fund his funeral and related expenses.

“Brendon filled our lives with love, laughter, and support, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” she wrote.

Brendon "Raggs" Raggett played for the Maroochydore Swans Rugby Union club for many years before becoming a coach and club president. (left)

“Brendon’s legacy as a devoted husband and father, and his impact on those around him, are immeasurable.”

The fundraiser raised more than $12,000 in less than 24 hours.

Sunshine Coast Brothers Club president Mike Haines said Mr Raggett was a “larrikin with a great sense of humour”.

“He had a huge heart and did so much for many people,” he said.

“He never lacked time for anyone who needed anything, he put himself second and everybody else first.”

He said he would never forget seeing Mr Raggett hype up a young player, telling him he needed to be his “yeehaw boy” and yell “yeehaw” whenever he scored a try.

Every time the young player did, Mr Raggett was there with his arms in the air cheering “yeehaw” with him.

Mr Haines began working alongside Mr Raggett at the end of 2022, when they started discussions around creating a club A-grade and reserve team.

“(Mr Raggett) and a group of Fijian players called the Coastal Brothers approached us, looking to join us and launch an A-grade and reserve grade team at Brothers,” he said.

The 2023 season was the Coastal Brothers first at the club, Mr Haines said, and the first time in 20 years this had happened on the Sunshine Coast.

Brendon Raggett.

In a tribute shared online, The Coastal Brothers Rugby Club described Mr Raggett as a “manager, mentor and friend”.

“His dedication, commitment and support have left an indelible impact on all of us,” they wrote.

Brendon Raggett. Photos: Supplied

Mens A-grade head coach Darren Tahu, who worked alongside Mr Raggett this season, said he felt “blessed” to have shared the field with him.

The last time he saw and spoke with Mr Raggett was at their end of season drinks on August 21, he said.

Mr Raggett was also an active member of the Thirsty Old Lions – a social, over 35s “golden oldies” team from when it started in 2010.

Brendon Raggett with the Thirsty Old Lions.

Former teammate Mick Burnicle described Mr Raggett as a “yappy” half back, but someone who was “always good for a laugh” and “good for a story”.

The team disbanded in 2022, Mr Burnicle said, but the players still kept in touch.

Brendon Raggett (left). Photos: Supplied

He said he was the first one to be a support for others, be it a listening ear or with words of praise, and was an organiser for the team’s footy trips.

One to New Zealand was “one of the best weekends” Mr Burnicle had ever had, he said.

But he would never forget their last footy trip to Chinchilla.

Mr Burnicle said the trip was Oktoberfest themed, and Mr Raggett sported a German-themed dress, stockings and piggy tails.

Former Maroochydore Rugby Union player and past president Chris Carnell said Mr Raggett was “a dear friend to everyone” and “was tough as nails on the field”.

“He was loud, he was there … he was a mate,” he said.

Support services:

Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au