CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

Saturday, 25 October

The Old Boys’ Association is inviting members and their wife/partner to the annual Christmas Luncheon in December.

The luncheon is a highlight of the club’s yearly calendar and David Puddicombe has kindly agreed to organise the function. Long-time supporter and great club member, Robbie Holmes, is a sponsor of the luncheon to assist the Old Boys with financing the event.

Dave advises that the Christmas menu isn’t available as yet and full details will be publicised once they are known. Thanks to Robbbie’s sponsorship and input from the Old Boys, the cost per head is only $30 – a great price to enjoy a fantastic luncheon. Jot down the following in your diary:

Function: Old Boys’ 2025 Christmas Luncheon (open to members and their wives/partners)

Date: Friday, 12 December

Time: Midday

Venue: Babbington’s Restaurant, Apollo International Hotel, 290 Pacific Highway, Charlestown

Luncheon: Set menu; alternate serves – entrée & main meal followed by cake & coffee/tea

Cost: $30

Payment: Please make payment to Old Boys Account at Greater Bank -

BSB 637000 Acc 715493713 (mark payment with name and ‘Xmas’)

RSVP: davidpuddicombe@bigpond.com.au 

Please note that drinks will be at guest’s cost.

David said he is happy to take bookings now for those members who wish to get in early and reserve a seat(s). Contact Dave through his email address listed above for any enquiries.

On behalf of the Old Boys, a big thanks to Robbie with Christmas just around the corner.

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OUR 85th ANNIVERSARY!

October, 2025

As part of our 85th anniversary in 2025 we are publishing some historical facts about the club.

This time it’s about the Women’s teams.

The Waratahs Women’s team played in the inaugural Grand Final of the Hunter Women’s Rugby Union competition in 1998.

The Tahs played Hamilton for the ‘Wal Fitzgerald Cup’ which resulted in 17-15 victory to the Hawks.

The Tahs squad for the Grand Final was:

Nicole Bailey, Belinda Blackhall, Tiani Bishop, Katie Cooper, Rene Cross, Niki Edson, Megan Lloyd, Leanne McDonald, Carrie McGorey, Melissa Martin, Louise Morrison, Kobi Nicol, Tanya Poole, Angela Raven, Suzie Rich (c), Tracey Stinson, Rawina Taylor.

The team was coached by Barry Heins in 1998 and 1999 before dropping away from the competition.

The Women’s team was re-formed in 2018 mainly through the efforts of Annika Jamieson who was interested to see an expansion of the local women’s rugby union competition.

The team was Hunter Rugby Union’s undefeated Minor and Major Women’s Premiers for the 2018-20 seasons. In 2021 it was named Minor Premiers in a shortened season as the Hunter Rugby Union was forced to cancel the 2021 competition because of COVID-19.

The Women’s team experienced a mixed season in 2022 after losing some players while others were unavailable during the season. The team finished fourth in the competition but had to withdraw from the Elimination Final when weather conditions caused a postponement of matches and impacted on player requirements.

The 2023 season saw a mixed bag of results where four consecutive losses and a forfeit in the middle of the season dented any chances of a top four position. The Tahs had to settle for fifth position even though they were able to beat the top teams during the season.

Player numbers dwindled in 2023 and with unfortunately no teams being formed for the 2024 or 2025 seasons. A list of major results are:

·      2021 Minor Premiers (No Major Premiers because of COVID)

·      2020 Major and Minor Premiers (undefeated)

·      2019 Major and Minor Premiers (undefeated)

·      2018 Major and Minor Premiers (undefeated)

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VALE SAXON WHITE

Monday 13 October

The Old Boys’ Association report with sadness the passing of a friend of The Waratahs in Saxon White.

Saxon, who was 91 and an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Newcastle University, passed away peacefully last week.

He was a regular at the Waratah Oval grounds while supporting his son, Matthew, play for the Juniors and was a well-known supporter and always a helping hand.

Saxon was an inside centre and played in seven Tests for Australia in the mid to late 1950s.

The Warartahs condolences go to the White family at Saxon’s sad passing.

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OUR HISTORY OVER 85 YEARS

Tuesday, 23 September

The Waratahs Rugby Union Club is celebrating its 85th Anniversary in 2025 and we have been looking at various parts of the club’s history - it’s now time to look at our First Grade coaches…..

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GRAND FINAL RUGBY

Hunter Rugby Union played its Grand Finals at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday, 13 September. Results were:

• Premier 1: Maitland 25 d Merewether Carlton 17

• Premier 2: Maitland 21 d Merewether Carlton 16

• Premier 3: Southern Beaches 33 d University 26

• Women’s: Hamilton 18 d Wanderers 10

• Suburban: Scone Brumbies 26 d Singleton Red 17

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GREAT SPORTS LUNCHEON!

Saturday, 9 August

The Waratahs Old Boys’ Association thank everyone who attended a very social 2025 Sports Luncheon yesterday (8 August).

The ‘full house’ sign went up early last week and former Wallabies international, Matt Burke, was a great Guest Speaker.

Matt presented a terrific overview of his rugby experiences and took questions from the floor before receiving a standing ovation from many who enjoyed the luncheon.

The Waratahs appreciate luncheon sponsors in Churchills Carpet Court, Thomas Allen Wines and Tooheys and also support from Rugby Australia, NSW Waratahs, Hellyers Road Distillery and the venue, Hamilton North Bowling Club.

A great club function as The Waratahs celebrate 85 years of rugby - 1940 to 2025!

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Our CLub

The Waratahs Rugby Union Club play home matches at Waratah Oval.

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Building an inspiring club around people and culture

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