The Rabbitohs are grieving the loss of a legendary player, special figures ever put on a Bunnies jersey.

The rugby league community is grieving the loss of Darrell Bampton, a beloved former South Sydney captain and CEO. Bampton, a revered figure in rugby league, played a crucial role in establishing the Rabbitohs as a dominant force in the premiership. He passed away at the age of 74 on Saturday morning after battling a prolonged illness.

Tributes have poured in for Bampton, with Souths leading the way by expressing their deepest condolences to his family and friends. Fans have shared memories of watching him play at Redfern, praising his toughness and dedication to the club. One former player recalled trying to tackle him and being effortlessly run over, highlighting Bampton’s skill and speed on the field.

Bampton, the 559th first-grade player for the Rabbitohs, made a lasting impact on the sport as both a player and an administrator. His leadership qualities were evident when he captained the President’s Cup premiership-winning team in 1969 and contributed to the third-grade premiership victory the same year. Known as ‘number nine,’ he made his first-grade debut in 1970 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

During his career from 1969 to 1973 and 1978 to 1979, Bampton played 116 games for South Sydney, including 51 in the first grade, scoring a solitary try. After leaving Souths in 1973, he became the captain-coach at Collegians Wollongong. His return to South Sydney in 1978 saw him assume the captaincy following an impressive pre-season under coach Jack Gibson.

Beyond playing, Bampton dedicated himself to rugby league development, serving as the development officer for Souths. His contributions included working with schools, organizing knockouts, and promoting participation. In his post-retirement years, he took on various administrative roles, serving as the CEO of South Sydney Football Club from 1997 to 1999 and as the NSW State of Origin manager from 1999 to 2002.

Bampton’s managerial prowess extended to roles such as Tri-Series ARL manager (1999), World Cup manager (2000), Kangaroo tour manager (2001), and ANZAC Test manager vs. New Zealand (2002). In 2002, he was appointed vice president of the NSWRFL. His significant contributions were recognized with the Life Membership of SSDRLFC in 1994 and the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on June 9, 2009.