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This affable Brisbane Publican belies the reputation he developed on the rugby field. As a barrell-chested prop forward 'Buddha' Handy created mayhem on rugby fields around the world with his uncompromising and rugged play.

A former Gregory Terrace student in Brisbane, Handy graduated through the ranks of the Queensland Rugby Union when the now famous maroon jersey was beginning to earn respect. He played some 54 games for his state as Queensland rose from virtual obscurity to the world famous rugby provincial status it enjoys now.

He went on to earn his Wallaby colours in the late seventies as a 'tough as teak' prop, playing six internationals. During which time he joined a rather select band of Wallabies to have lifted the Bledisloe Cup on two occasions after victories against arch rivals the New Zealand All Blacks.

In retirement Chris Handy's image has changed overnight!

The former mild-mannered, bespectacled accountant, these days is one of Queensland's most popular publicans. Having owned and operated Brisbane's toughest truckies' pub, the Highway "Hilton" at Rocklea for sixteen years and Brisbane's real rugby pub, The Jubilee Hotel in Bowen Hills adjacent to "The Ekka" since 1992.

However, he developed into a multi-media personality, M.C. and guest speaker of high repute and has established himself on the celebrity debating scene. In 1983 he became expert rugby commentator on ABC Televeision and was on hand at Twickenham in 1991 to call the drama charged final between Australia and England when Australia became World Champions.

The following year, when the coverage of Rugby went to Commercial Television, he was snapped up by the Ten Network as a special analytical and colour commentator, a role he still enjoys these days with the Seven Network and Fox Sports in Australia.

His unique style has seen him travel the world to Britain and the Continent, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Canada, USA and Fiji as he entertains the rugby fans back home both on the field and on television.

As his nickname suggests, the affable, roly poly Buddha has built up a multitude of sporting anecdotes which has made him a popular after-dinner speaker and rugby author of "Well I'll Be Ruggered".

His stories are endless, his wit sharp and his style unique.