05 Sept 2026
RIVERINA RUGBY UNION 1997 FINALS extract CONOLLY RUGBY PARK SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER VPC Competition: Ladders 3rd XV - Waratahs v Albury 2nd XV - Deniliquin v Waratahs 1st XV - Waratahs v Albury Byrnes Cup: Ladders 3rd XV - Griffith v Ag College 2nd XV- Griffith v Ag College Women's City/Waratahs v Rivcoll (no team list) 1st XV - Leeton v Ag College
Wagga History
Wagga History
Wagga History
Wagga History
03 Sept 2026
Preamble: Despite the disappointment of the senior men’s teams falling short in their grand finals, 1997 remained an important year in Waratahs history, highlighted by the inaugural Wagga City knockout victory, the Waratah-Wagga City combined Women's team's premiership and the honour bestowed on Jim Lenehan. Of significance, the Wagga Waratahs Old Boys was formed in 1997 from a meeting between Ashley Briggs, Mike Dolan, Lyndon Taylor, Phillip Day & Alan Le Brocque. The following objective was adopted: ‘The objective of the Old Boys Club is to be able to provide a means whereby past players, Committee people and supporters can join together and contribute in a small way with a common desire to stay involved and assist the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club’ The Waratahs Old Boys is a social Club within the Waratahs Rugby Club & undertakes to adopt the rules & guidelines of the Principal Club. All prospective Members are asked to be financial. The Old Boys continue to be actively involved with the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club on game day through various roles and with fund raising. The Riverina Rugby Union Competition comprised the Byrnes Cup and V.P.C. Shield competitions. When the competition split at the half-way mark the participating clubs were: Byrnes Cup 1st XV & 2nd XV - 7 teams 16/18 Rounds: Wagga Wagga Agricultural College (WAC), Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Rivcoll, Tumut, Wagga City. 3rd XV - 5 teams 10/11 Rounds: Griffith, Leeton, Rivcoll, WAC, Wagga City. V.P.C. Shield 1st XV - 5 teams 15 Rounds: Albury, Border Army, Cootamundra, Riverina Army, Wagga Waratahs. 2nd XV - 6 teams 15 Rounds: Albury, Border Army, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Riverina Army, Wagga Waratahs. 3rd XV - 3 teams 9 Rounds: Albury, Riverina Army, Wagga Waratahs. Players: The year saw a significantly higher number of players listed in the team books compared to the previous year, although many players only played one game. Craig Adams, Jason Austin, Tim Barrett, Peter Billings, Shane Bird, David Bloomfield, Mark Bolton, Richard Bryant, Andrew Buchanan, Andrew Campbell, Peter Challender, Chris Chove, Sean Daly, Troy Diconoski, John Dolbel, Brad Durham, R Eldershaw, James Garraway, Jim Garraway, Mark Garraway, Michael Gooden, Justin Grant, Rhys Grant, Warwick Grant, Mark Gray, Andrew Green, Matthew Hallam, Steve Howe, Scott Jones, Mark Kebsch, Dave Lagettie, Peter Lawson, John Lenehan, Ken Loughnan, P Lowry, A Mackie, B Malone, Brendan Malone, Simon Malone, Andrew McIntosh, Andy McKittrick, Paul Milner, S Murdoch, Lincoln Murphy, Matt Murphy, Damien Nott, Nigel O'Rourke, Ike Payne, S Power, Andrew Quigley, Warren Roberts, Neil Ross, Steve Sargent, Fred Schwenke, Hudson Shaw, Dave Skipper, Mick Stewart, Bill Swain, Mick Tighe, Simon Tooth, Craig Turner, Dave Walker, David Walker, Dougall Walker, O Walker, Heath Walton, Alex Wendell, Graham Wilson, Mat Young. AWARDS: The Simon Horsley Memorial Cup - The Player's Player Trophy - Rhys Grant & Ken Loughnan Best Club Man: no record Best Club Lady: no record Most Improved: no record Trainer's Award: David Walker 1st XV: Best & Fairest -The Peter Bolton Award: Matthew Hallam Best Forward: Rhys Grant Best Backs: Peter Lawson 2nd XV: Best & Fairest: Warren Roberts Best Foward: Scott Murdoch Best Back: Andrew Campbell 3rd XV: Best & Fairest: no record Source: Southern Inland Rugby Union Honour Board; Riverina Region Grand Final Programs; Wagga Wagga Waratahs Player Register. The following summary is based on the 1997 year in A History of Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959-2015 - a copy of which may be purchased here. Cost $20 + postage (465 pages).
03 Sept 2026
Dudley Taylor 1908 - 2003. Dud was Wagga Wagga Waratahs' Rugby Club Inaugural President and served from 1959 - 1968. Dud had a wonderful understanding of the game. He was a former President of Wagga Wagga Agricultural College Rugby Union Club, and President of the Wagga Wagga District Rugby Union, as well as a selector for Wagga District and N.S.W. Country Rugby. In 1959 Dud supported the formation of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club and was elected President. Source: The personal papers of the late Lyndon Taylor and A History of Wagga Wagga Waratahs' Rugby Club 1959 -2015.
31 Aug 2026
For rugby enthusiasts and club historians see the Gallery below for team lists, ladders and Leading Point Scorers 1995. The V.P.C. Shield is not included in this program. Also included in the Gallery are the Premiers in the various competitions to 1994. The 1995 Grand Final was the first grand final to be played on Conolly Rugby Park, Wagga Wagga. The Invitational teams participating in the Official Opening of Conolly Rugby Park on 9 March 1996 are also included. Source: Riverina Rugby Union Official Opening 9 March, 1996 and 1995 Grand Final Program.
30 Aug 2026
Preamble: The 9th March, 1996 marked the official opening of the Conolly Rugby Park at Jubilee Park Sporting Complex, Wagga Wagga. The rugby park was conceived at a meeting of rugby enthusiasts on 24 June, 1982, and the fund raising began shortly thereafter. Following the resignation of Peter Franks, President, Riverina Rugby, Bob Conolly accepted the position of Chairman of the Grounds Committee for this projext and would lead the volunteers. Bob was a former Wagga Wagga Agricultural College player, and along with Dudley Taylor, was instrumental in the formation of Wagga Wagga Waratahs in 1959. After years of lobbying and negotiations by representatives from Riverina Rugby Union, Wagga City Rugby Club and Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club, Wagga City Council agreed to develop the present site, with assurances that Riverina Rugby Union and the two clubs would make financial and in-kind contributions to the grounds' development, insisting the facilities be used each week throughout the rugby season. Work commenced in earnest in 1994. Bob was supported by Murray Wilkinson and Brett Woodland, executives from both the senior clubs and along with others from Wagga City and Waratahs the hard work with clearing trees, rocks, stones, stumps, leveling and old fences began. In 1995, N.S.W. Rugby Union approved further funding. All Clubs in the Zone were canvassed to determine a suitable name and it was on the recommendation from Riverina Rugby Union that Council approved the complex be named after Bob Conolly. Control of the park was given to Riverina Rugby Union, who delegated this authority to a grounds management committee with representaives from Riverina Rugby Union, Wagga Waratahs, Wagga City, Wagga City Council, and the now Wagga Juniors. In November 1996, Peter Bolton from Romano's Hotel died. Peter was a staunch supporter of Waratahs, a great friend to many in the Club, as well as being the Club's Major Sponsor. The competition commenced on 20 April and comprised 16 Rounds culminating in the grand final on 7 September 1996. Twelve clubs participated: Albury, Army, Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Latchford Barracks, Leeton, Rivcoll, Tumut, Wagga Wagga Agricultural College, Wagga City, Wagga Wagga Waratahs. In July the competition was divided into the Byrnes Cup and V.P.C. Shield. The top six teams on the 1st XV ladder would contest the Byrnes Cup and the bottom five and Latchford contested the V.P.C. Shield. The Byrnes Cup competition comprised six teams: Army, Griffith, Hay, Rivcoll, Wagga Wagga Agricultural College, Wagga Wagga Waratahs. The V.P.C. Shield from July also comprised: Albury, Border Uni-Army, Deniliquin, Leeton, Tumut, Wagga City and Latchford. In May a match between N.S.W. Country Rugby Union & Victorian Rugby Union was played at Conolly Rugby Park. Victoria played against Southern Province Under 19s (Luxton Walker, Coach and Michael Stewart, Manager), NSW Country in the Under 21s and N.S.W. Country in the Seniors. The number of players registered with Waratahs for the season was considerably less than in previous years. Names are as they appear in the team lists. C Adams, Peter Challender, R Collins, James Conolly, J Dobel, M Edis, B Elliott, Mark Evans, Jim Garraway, Mark Garraway, Will Gooden, Rhys Grant, Warwick Grant, Matthew Hallam, Peter Lawson, Andrew Lenehan, John Lenehan, A McKittrick, R Parker, Andrew Quigley, Hamish Quilty, Malcolm Reid, Warren Roberts, M Ross, Fred Schwenke, Dave Skipper, B Sullivan, Bill Swain, M Tighe, Simon Tooth, Dave Walker, Andrew Wardle, Matthew Williams and Graham Wilson. AWARDS: The Simon Horsley Memorial Cup - The Player's Player Trophy - Matthew Hallam and Peter Lawson. Best Club Man: Rob King Best Club Lady: Lisa Salan & Lyn Dobel Most Improved: Hamish Quilty Trainer's Award: Bill Swain 1st XV: Best & Fairest -The Peter Bolton Award: Craig Adams Best Forward: Rhys Grant Best Backs: Matthew Hallam and Peter Lawson 2nd XV: Best & Fairest: Warren Roberts Best Foward: Andrew Wardell Best Back: John Lenehan 3rd XV: Best & Fairest: Peter Billing The following members were also elected to the Committee: Marita Morton and Michelle Sloan, Social Convenors: Rob King, Ground Manager and Junior Representative. Source: Southern Inland Rugby Union Honour Board; Riverina Rugby Union Official Opening of Conolly Rugby Park, 9 March, 1996 Programme; Riverina Region Grand Final Programes; Wagga Wagga Waratahs Player Register. The following summary is based on the 1996 year in A History of Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959-2015 - a copy of which may be purchased here. Cost $20 + postage (465 pages).
Wagga History
Wagga History
Wagga History
26 Aug 2026
Preamble: The 1995 Riverina Rugby Union competition culminated in the Grand Final at the new oval at Jubilee Park, Wagga Wagga on 2 September 1995, and was again split into two. The first group comprised the Byrnes Cup 1st Grade, David Jones Shield 2nd Grade and the McMullen Cup 3rd Grade. The second group comprised the V.P.C. 2nd Division in the 1st grade; the John Williams Cup in the Division 2, 2nd grade; and the Riverina Rugby Union Shield, 2nd Division, 3rd grade. The competition also included The Adam Shepherd Shield - Under 18s. In the Byrnes Cup 1st XV, six clubs participated and played 15 Rounds: Army, Griffith, Hay, Rivcoll, Tumut, Wagga Waratahs. Minor Premiers & Premiers - Griffith. The David Jones Shield 2nd grade included the same six club and had a longer season with 16 Rounds. Minor Premiers & Premiers - Griffith. Four clubs formed the 3rd XV and played 12 Rounds, with Rivcoll playing 11: Army, Griffith, Rivcoll, Wagga Waratahs. Minor Premiers - Wagga Waratahs. Premiers - Griffith. Club records indicate that Waratahs also played Border University and were defeated 29-0. The Wal Blake Cup - Club Championships: Griffith The V.P.C. Grand Final was played the week prior on 27 August 1995. Details of the Ladders are unknown by the authors. V.P.C. Shield - 2nd Division, 1st Grade Premiers: Wagga Wagga Agricultural College. The John Williams Cup - 2nd Division, 2nd Grade Premiers: Latchford Barracks. Riverina Rugby Union Shield - 2nd Division, 3rd Grade Premiers: Latchford Barracks. The Adam Shepherd Shield - Under 18 Premiers: Kooringal High School. CLUB AWARDS: The Simon Horsley Memorial Cup - Player's Player: Matthew Hallam Best Club Man: Rob King Best Club Lady: Anna Roberts Most Improved: Craig Fisher Trainer's Award: Rob King 1st XV Best & Fairest: Matthew Hallam There is no record of recipients of other awards. 2nd XV There is no record of recipients. 3rd XV Best & Fairest: Michael Burns PLAYERS: S Baker, Tim Barrett, Doug Bennett, Peter Billing, P Blanchard, Mark Bolton, Simon Brabin, Phil Brunskill, John Burns, Michael Burns, M Byrnes, James Conolly, Andrew Cook, Ben Cruickshank, C Culgan, Sean Daly, Andrew Donelan, Brett Elliott, M Evans, Craig Fisher, A Fitzgerald, Sterling Gallagher, Jim Garraway, Mark Garraway, Peter Gerathy, Mick Golden, Michael Gooden, James Gosper, Justin Grant, Mick Grant, Rhys Grant, Warwick Grant, Matthew Hallam, Steve Hamilton, Tim Hartwig, James Heriot, Brett Hill, Justin Houghton, Martin Kelly, Rob King, D Knott, Austin Kurrle, Pat Lane, Sean Lane, John Lenehan, Mick Lenehan, Simon Malone, Daniel McAlin, Tony McEwan, Andrew McIntosh, David McLean, Tony McMullen, Mick McTaggart, David Mitchell, S Murdoch, Peter O'Donohue, Rick Onn, G Palframan, Richard Parker, Tony Peterson, Andrew Quigley, Hamish Quilty, Warren Roberts, Mac Ross, Neil Ross, Steve Rossetto, A Rudd, Dave Skipper, Andrew Slatter, Terry Sloan, Danny Smith, Michael Stewart, Toby Sweeney, James Sykes, Steve Sykes, Simon Tooth, Alister Walker, Andrew Walker, Dave Walker, Dougal Walker, James Walker, Rob Walker, Andrew Wardle, Knox Walmsley, Graham Wilson. In addition to the committee listed below the following members were elected: Peter Gerathy and Marita Morton, Social Convenors; Rob King, Publicity Officer. Source: Southern Inland Rugby Union Honour Board; Riverina Rugby Union Official Opening of Conolly Rugby Park, 9 March, 1996 Programme; Riverina Region Grand Final Programes; Wagga Wagga Waratahs Player Register. The following summary is based on the 1995 year in A History of Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959-2015 - a copy of which may be purchased here. Cost $20 + postage (465 pages).
21 Aug 2026
Preamble: Fundraising to develop a home ground for Riverina Rugby Union (RRU), Wagga Waratahs, Wagga City and Wagga Juniors had been underway for several years, with work beginning in earnest in 1994. The minutes show that the management committee comprised Bob Conolly, RRU, as Chair; Murray Wilkinson, Waratahs President; Kerry Geale, Wagga City Council; John Stewart, Wagga Juniors; Frank Barrett, Riverina Rugby Union; and Tom Sheridan, Wagga City. Once again, all six competition levels played throughout the season. In the Byrnes Cup Competition, the 1st XV and 2nd XV played 14 Rounds and the 3rd XV, 12 Rounds. In the V.P.C. Shield Competition, the 1st XV played 14 Rounds, while the 2nd XV played mostly 11 Rounds. One team, Junee, played 12 Rounds. In the 1st XV Byrnes Cup competition, eight clubs participated: Albury, Army, Griffith, Leeton, Rivcoll, Tumut, Wagga Agricultural College (WAC) and Waratahs. Tumut were the Minor Premiers. Eight clubs also fielded 2nd XV teams David Jones Shield: Albury, Army, Griffith, Leeton, Rivcoll, Tumut, WAC and Waratahs. Waratahs were the Minor Premiers. The 3rd XV McMullen Cup competition comprised seven clubs: Albury, Army, Griffith, Leeton, Rivcoll, Tumut, WAC and Waratahs. Griffith were Minor Premiers. The following six clubs participated in the VPC Shield 1st Grade: Border Uni., Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Latchford Barracks, Wagga City. Minor Premiers - Junee. VPC 2nd Grade comprised five clubs: Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Latchford Barracks, Wagga City. Minor Premiers - Wagga City. The Wal Blake Club Championship: Waratahs The Byrnes Cup 1st XV Premiers: Waratahs The David Jones Shield 2nd XV Premiers: Waratahs The McMullen Cup 3rd XV Premiers: Griffith The V.P.C. Shield: Junee The John Williams Cup - 2nd Division, 2nd Grade: Wagga City The Adam Shepherd Shield Under 18s: Latchford Barracks AWARDS: The Simon Horsley Memorial Cup - Players Player Trophy: Andrew McPherson. Best Club Man: Tony McMullen Best Club Lady: Anna Roberts Most Improved: Tony McMullen Trainers Award: Mark Garraway. 1st XV Best & Fairest: Andrew McPherson Best Forward: Andrew Quigley Best Back: Matthew Hallam. 2nd XV Best & Fairest: Andrew McIntosh Best Forward: Steve Albon Best Back: Warren Roberts. 3rd XV: Best & Fairest: Shaun Lane. Players: Player numbers were down on the previous year with approximately 60 players registering: Steve Albon, Doug Ashleigh, Tim Barrett, A Bolton, Phil Brunskill, Peter Burey, Michael Burns, Peter Bury, James Conolly, Andrew Cook, David Cross, Andrew Donelan, Craig Fischer, Simon Gallagher, Jim Garraway, Mark Garraway, Peter Gerathy, Mick Golden, Justin Grant, Mick Grant, Rhys Grant, Warwick Grant, Matthew Hallam, Steve Hamilton, Tim Hartwig, James Heriot, Martin Kelly, Rob King, Charlie Klem, Austin Kurrle, Shaun Lane, John Lenehan, Ian Mack, Graeme McDonald, Andrew McIntosh, Tony McMullen, Andrew McPherson, David Mitchell, Peter O'Donohue, Andrew Quigley, Hamish Quilty, Andrew Roberts, Warren Roberts, Mac Ross, Mark Ross, Steve Rossetto, Simon Sellars, Dave Skipper, Terry Sloan, Michael Stewart, Bill Swain, James Sykes, Steve Sykes, Simon Tooth, Alister Walker, Andrew Walker, Dave Walker, Dougal Walker, James Walker, Knox Walmsley, Graham Wilson. In addition to the Committee members listed below, Minutes from the AGM indicate that the following were also elected and contributed to club organisation: Steve Albon, Social Covenor; Justin Grant, Publicity Officer; Peter Burey, Ground Manager. Source: Southern Inland Rugby Honour Board; Riverina Rugby Union Official Opening Conolly Rugby Park 9 March 1996 Programme, Wagga Wagga Waratahs Player Register 1959-1995; Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club Minutes. The following summary is based on the 1994 year appearing in A History of Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959-2015 - a copy of which may be purchased here.
20 Aug 2026
1994 was another highly successful season for the Wagga Wagga Waratahs, with all three senior grades progressing to their respective grand finals. The 1st XV successfully defended the Byrnes Cup, while the 2nd XV claimed the David Jones Shield. The 3rd XV narrowly missed out, going down to Griffith in the McMullen Cup final. Fast forward 34 years, and on 22 August 2026, the Waratahs will again take to the field hoping to finish the season on a high, with the 1st XV and Women’s teams facing Wagga City and Griffith respectively. Cheering them on will be the Waratahs Old Boys and Old Girls, some of whom feature in this Riverina Rugby Union Grand Final Program as former players and coaches. It is a wonderful reminder that, across generations, the strength and spirit of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club family continues.
Latest News
Latest News
Latest News
14 Aug 2026
Our first-grade boys will take on the Tumut Bulls at Conolly park tomorrow to try and secure a place in the 2026 SIRU Grand Final. Make sure to get down there to support at 3:15pm.
20 Apr 2026
This Friday night we take on Wagga City at home at Conolly. Games will be kicking off at 6pm with an Anzac ceremony prior to first grade. Come along for some Friday night footy! 💙🐗 GoTahs siru rugbyunion waggawaratahs roundthree
25 Mar 2026
Waratahs 2026 merch is live! Download the clubland app to grab yours today! 🧣👕🐗💙 waggawaratahs tahs rugbyunion merch clubland
25 June 2026
This Saturday night we will host our annual charity jersey auction at Romanos Hotel. We are proud to unveil our 2026 jersey which will be auctioned off with all proceeds donated to the Torie Finnane Foundation. Swipe across to view jersey numbers and sizing before placing your bid. Every bid helps make a difference. Thank you to our players, sponsors, members and supporters for backing this important cause.
22 June 2026
This Saturday we have our 2016 3 x premiership reunion and charity jersey auction! Make sure you’re there for all the action
21 May 2026
Ladies day tickets close this afternoon at 5pm! Make sure to jump on and grab yours so you don’t miss out! 💙🥂 Purchase Your Ticket here