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Australia Chris Handy, known as 'Buddha,' transitioned from a distinguished rugby career with the Wallabies and Queensland Reds to a respected rugby commentator and brand ambassador.
Chris Handy is an ambassador for XXXX, a well-known Australian beer brand, leveraging his public profile to support their brand image, particularly within the Queensland context.
Handy serves as an ambassador for Bundaberg Rum, an iconic Australian distillery, associating his reputable image with the brand.
Chris Handy acts as an ambassador for Queensland Rugby, maintaining his connection to the sport and promoting its presence within the region.
The revitalised Jubilee Hotel became 'the clubhouse for rugby in Brisbane' through a partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union, a broader initiative that Chris Handy aligns with as an ambassador for Queensland Rugby.
Christopher Bernard Handy, born on March 28, 1950, in Brisbane, developed into a formidable rugby player affectionately known as ‘Buddha.’ Educated at St. Joseph’s Christian Brother’s College, Gregory Terrace, Handy demonstrated early athletic prowess, playing both halfback and No.8 for the 1st XV. His transition to the front row, specifically as a tighthead prop, became permanent in 1971 following the retirement of Wallaby Shane Sullivan. Handy’s robust and agile playing style was characterized by his deft ball-handling and courageous approach to the game, thriving in the physical demands of scrummaging, which he considered the epitome of contact sport.
Handy’s ascent in Australian rugby began in 1972 with his debut for Queensland against NSW Country at Ballymore. He quickly became a consistent presence in Queensland teams, contributing significantly to the revival of Queensland rugby from 1972 to 1980. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1978 when he was selected for a demanding 13-match tour of New Zealand. This opportunity arose due to the absence of Steve Finnane from the tour. Handy’s performance on this tour led to his Test debut for Australia at Eden Park in the third Test against New Zealand, a match the Wallabies famously won 30-16. This victory marked a significant upset and contributed to Handy’s remarkable streak of undefeated tour games.
He earned a total of six Test caps for Australia during a three-year international career, playing alongside notable figures like Stan Pilecki and John Meadows. His career highlights include participating in the 1979 Bledisloe Cup win, the first for Australia since 1949. Post-playing, Handy continued his association with rugby as a color commentator and analyst for various television networks and as a publican, leveraging his reputation to forge strong business relationships and brand partnerships.
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