Melbourne rugby union community rallies around Footscray president Charlie Sale in cancer fight

The president of a footy club in Melbourne’s western suburbs has been overwhelmed by the support of the rugby community as he battles stage three cancer.

The Melbourne rugby community has banded around Footscray Rugby Union Club president and father-of-five Charlie Sale.

Melbourne’s rugby community has huddled around a “beautiful” and “strong” club president and vowed to support his family as he shapes up for a battle with cancer.

Footscray Rugby Union Club president Charlie Sale is up against a different opponent following his stage-3 cancer diagnosis and now the community has banded together to support him through chemotherapy.

Mr Sale is known as an “extremely humble” man who lives and breathes the sport and was referred to as “great servant of Victorian rugby” for more than two decades.

The Melbourne rugby community has banded around Footscray Rugby Union Club president Charlie Sale as he battles cancer.

The 42-year-old, originally from Auckland, New Zealand is a father of five with partner Michelle and is known for his selflessness and sacrifice to club and community.

He first laced-up his boots aged four and has played for a number of Melbourne clubs including Coburg, Broadmeadows, Northcote, Melbourne University, Hawthorn, Harlequin and Victoria Samoa.

Footscray Rugby Union Club PA Rose Puamau said Charlie was diagnosed about three months ago however, how did not want the club to worry about him.

Mr Sale, of New Zealand, is a father of five and is known as a beautiful, strong and humble leader.

“He did not want to impact the players and was worried about telling everyone, but even though he is quite sick he still comes down to training with a walking stick to support everyone,” Mrs Puamau said.

“Charlie would do anything for this club, which he calls his ‘aiga’, or family, and now it's our turn to support his family through this difficult time.
“He’s not the type of person to expect this, his first concern is always with his community and family, he’s a giver and one of the most selfless humans I know.”

Mrs Puamau established a GoFundMe to support the family which had already raised almost $3000 as of Thursday night.

She said the donations showed how many people loved Charlie and would give him the strength and faith to beat cancer.

Charlie Sale began playing rugby in Auckland aged four and has since played for a number of clubs across Melbourne.

Messages of support poured in across social media from the rugby community.

“Please support former Quins player and current Footscray President Charlie Sale in his battle with cancer. Charlie has been a great servant of Victorian Rugby for over 2 decades and we wish him and his family all our club’s support.” Harlequin Rugby Club said.

“Sending Charlie and the family our support and best wishes. Footscray was an affiliate club to WD (Western Districts) for the last 12 seasons. Charlie was always happy to help the Women’s game grow. Please donate to this cause and help Charlie reach his fundraising target,” Western Districts Women’s Rugby said.

Community members can support Charlie and donate to the GoFundMe page.