Paul McClean
Class of 1982
Paul McClean (Mac’s, 1977-1982).
Paul died on the 11th October 2021. The following was provided by Paul’s cousin, Charlie McClean (Mac’s, 1975-1980).
Whilst at Teddies, Paul’s academic career can only be described as “just”, but as a sportsman he was renowned, blessed as he was with a great eye for the ball, a massive physique and great strength. He was a two-season colour in the Teddies XV, including the unbeaten side of 1981 surprising opponents by being the tight head prop whilst also performing the kicking duties at goal. In fact he only lost 6 games of rugby in his the five years at Teddies. Paul also enjoyed his rowing and rowed in the J.16 VIII that won the Schools Head of the River, National Schools, National Championships (in small boats) and, having been selected for the Inter Regionals above the Teddies 1st VIII, famously defeated the top Eton VIII whilst just losing out to St. Paul’s 1st VIII by 3 feet. He also played in the first Tennis VI and represented the school in the Youll Cup, claiming that they only lost to the eventual winners, Repton, because he had an allergy and couldn’t get his hands on any drugs!
Upon leaving Teddies in July 1982, Paul briefly attended the Polytechnic of West London, but left upon being offered a place on the United Biscuits Management Trainee Scheme. However, after a short while, he decided that too wasn’t for him. However, he continued to play rugby and at Esher RFC he skipped the U.21’s, going straight into the 1st XV at the tender age of 18. He continued to play at Esher throughout his late teens and early 20s, where he met an Australian traveller no doubt checking out the might of English rugby.
Paul followed Jane (nee Wilde) back to Australia, where they soon married and soon thereafter had a daughter, Anabel. Paul remained in Manly for the remaining years of his life, visiting England regularly to see his friends and family and worked as a consultant in rugby & netball, and in sports stadia & hospitality, and latterly in raising capital for IT & Telecom companies, including assisting an old school compatriot Paul Reid, (Segars, 1977- 82).
Paul then married Nici (nee Andronicus), at the time one of Australia’s top triathletes in 2001. They had three children, Lexi (aged 19), now on a full rowing scholarship at Yale University, USA, and recently selected for the U23 Australian Rowing Squad, Ava (aged 18) an aspiring actress, and Alfie (aged 16) also a keen rower. He also adopted Nici’s daughter from her first marriage, Ash, who is one of Australia’s top fashion and event photographers.
Just prior to Alfie’s birth, Paul was diagnosed with the very rare tear duct cancer, just behind his left eye. Initial treatment was provided by MIT, Boston which at the time was the only place able to offer the required Proton therapy. However, the cancer continued to spread slowly and inoperably and eventually it took his life after 16 years of struggle in October 2021; which was no doubt a blessing, as even the wonderful Inner West Pain Centre at Sydney University was by then running out of options.
He died at home in Manly surrounded by Nici, his five children (and one newly born grandchild) and many friends, but unfortunately, due to Covid, none of his family from the UK could be there.
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