WELCOME TO THE APRIL EDITION OF BLUES NEWS!
With the season in full swing, all eyes turn to Townson Oval this Friday as our Seniors take on long-time rivals Merewether Carlton in the battle for the Adams-Halter ANZAC Shield—a match steeped in tradition and passion. Our Juniors are flying with record registrations and a strong start across the age groups, while Wanderers Netball teams continue to dominate the courts. There’s plenty happening behind the scenes too, with updates from the Wanderers Rugby Community and key events like Mums Night and the upcoming Wanderers Golf Day locked in. Dive in for all the latest from across the club—and get ready for a big ANZAC Day hit-out!
ROUND 2
The Adams-Halter ANZAC Shield
Wanderers v Merewether Carlton
This ANZAC Day, all senior Wanderers teams go head-to-head with long-time rivals Merewether Carlton for the prestigious Adams-Halter ANZAC Shield. Taking place at Townson Oval this Friday, it’s more than just a match—it’s a moment to honour courage, legacy and mateship. Adding to the occasion, one of Wanderers Newcastle’s most iconic and influential sides—the 1975 First Grade minor and major premiers—will form a special honour guard for the First Grade run-on, linking the proud history of our club with its present. Expect passion, pride and plenty of hard-hitting footy as the Two Blues take on the Greens in one of the fiercest fixtures of the year. Grab your mates, don your Two Blues, and get down to support the boys in this traditional ANZAC Day hit-up.
Junior Rugby Update
REGISTRATIONS
With over 200 junior players ranging from U7s to U18s, it’s our best year of registrations yet and we’re thrilled to have so many kids playing at the club this year! We encourage everyone in our Two Blue family to get involved by attending training, game days, events, and senior games to continue to grow our community.
ROUNDS 1 & 2
After a mammoth pre-season, it’s great to have our Juniors back on the field, and we’ve already seen some fantastic performances. Let’s keep working hard at training to build on this strong start and continue to elevate our game.
VOLUNTEERS
A big thank you to all our volunteers, including coaches, managers, assistant referees, ground marshals, and canteen assistants! It takes an army to run a club, and many hands make light work. We invite everyone to attend our Juniors meeting at the Blue Room on Sunday 27 April at 3:30 pm to discuss how we can further enhance our club.
JAPAN TOUR
Our u16s have just returned from their 10-day tour of Japan, which included three matches and a cultural experience to remember for a lifetime. Big thanks to Ange Schneider and the committee for their organisation and support in making this happen. Planning has commenced for this year’s U15s to tour again next year.
GEAR & GAME PASS
The Juniors club has been fitted-out with playing gear, including training shirts. We ask that all players wear their Blue with pride to club trainings and games. After the Easter school holidays, players will receive Wanderers hoodies for the cooler months. Game passes will also be distributed, allowing parents free entry to all Wanderers senior home games and encouraging them to bring their kids down for a fun afternoon of rugby.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 25 April – Anzac Day game v Merewether at Townson Oval, so wear Blue and support your club, it’s a huge fun day out.
Friday 2nd May – Mums Night at Blue Room, (add link/brochure)
Saturday 10 May – Juniors Day, get all our Juniors teams down to No2 in the afternoon for the seniors games and enjoy a BBQ & drink.
Netball Update
Round 2 Wrap! Our Wanderers Netballers brought the energy and took out 6 wins from 8 games on the weekend! 💪💙
Big shoutout to every team for bringing the hustle (and the sparkle ✨). Now to recharge and get ready to fire again for Round 3 on Saturday 4 May.
Let’s go, Two Blues! 💙🏐
Our new website is live!
The new Wanderers website is now live! 💻 If you haven’t had a look yet, jump on and check it out. We’re still refining and adding content, so if there’s anything missing or you’d like to see included, let us know at brand@wanderersrugby.com.au. Massive thanks to Ignacio (Nacho) Battilana for all his hard work bringing it to life—legend! 🙌
Wanderers Rugby Community Update
WRC COMMITTEE 2025
Both Andrew Macansh and Andy Trail are stepping down as President and Secretary of the WRC in 2025. As inaugural members of the WRC since its formation in 2008, the WRC sincerely thank them for all their contributions. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find both Bozo and Trailly at Wanderers Home games or the Commy.
Glenn Turner will remain in his role as Treasurer of the WRC. Additionally, Bozo will remain involved in the WRC during this ‘transition period’.
Stepping in the vacant roles are Peter ‘PJ’ Fallon and David ‘Wally’ Walton who have been actively involved in Wanderers Rugby between 1992 and 2021. In 2009, PJ’s final season playing with Wanderers coincided with Wally’s first and they formed a lethal (term used loosely) 9 / 10 combination in 3rd grade.
With these changes, the WRC’s committee members active involvement as players or coaches for Wanderers now span from 1977 to 2021, and we hope it encourages more people past and present to join the WRC.
WRC MEMBERSHIP 2025
What is the WRC?
The WRC, simply standards for Wanderers Rugby Community. It is not an ‘old boys club’ and you do not have to have played or been involved in the club to join. As long as you support Wanderers and to be a part of the community you are welcome to join.
What is the fee to join and what do I get?
The fee to join is $150 and for this you receive:
- Free entry into all Home games
- 1 free drink of choice at all home games
- Limited edition Wanderers supporters cap
- Information on all things Wanderers, through newsletters and updates, including information on WRC events such as the Back to Wanderers Day, WRC lunch and WRC golf day.
What does WRC do with the fee?
The WRC uses the money for anything which will benefit the whole of the club and enhance the Wanderers Rugby experience. This includes helping financially with operational functions, chipping in for bus trips and assisting juniors to reach their higher level aspirations through a grants program for representative duties
How do I join?
Please follow the link to https://wanderersrugby.com.au/wrc/
WRC EVENTS 2025
There will be more details to follow on each of these, however please save the below dates for the following events:
- Golf Day – Friday 3rd June 2025, Newcastle Golf Club
- WRC Luncheon – Friday 8th August 2025
- Back to Wanderers Day – Saturday 9th August 2025
WANDERERS RUM
There are still limited edition bottles of the Wanderers Centenary Rum available. These can be purchased by contacting a WRC committee member directly, or through the website.
COMMUNITY LUNCH PROGRAM
This Easter, the Wanderers men’s and women’s teams volunteered for the Cathedral’s Community Lunch program, serving hot meals, tea & coffee, and providing entertainment to those less fortunate.
It was a great occasion full of Easter spirit, with an Easter Egg Hunt, donations of blankets and bread, as well as a terrific hearty feast.
Thank you to Daniel, Rob, Liam, Zoe, Annabelle, Seanna for giving up your time to help out!
The next Community Lunch takes place on Sunday 29 June. If you’d like to get involved, or would like more information please contact Andrew Trail via email.
WRC CONTACT DETAILS
- Peter Fallon – President – 0412 498 798
- Glen Turner – Treasurer – 0412 498 798
- David Walton – Secretary – 0416 010 040
- Andrew Macansh – Chairman – 0417 066 539
Upcoming Events
Mums in Rugby Night
🗓 Friday 2 May 2025
🕡 6:30pm – 10:00pm
📍 Blue Room, No. 2 Sportsground
Calling all rugby mums! Whether you’re new to the game or know it well, this is your night to connect, learn, and unwind.
- Drinks on arrival
- Light refreshments
- Bar open all night
🎟️ Tickets on sale now
2025 GOLF DAY
- Shotgun start at 8am | Bus departs No. 2 Sportsground at 6:40am
- Bacon & egg rolls + coffee from 7am
- $760 per team of 4 – includes breakfast, lunch, golf & prizes
- Hole Sponsorship: $1320 – includes everything above + promo opportunities & 2 x golf carts per group
It’s always a great day out—whether you’re swinging clubs or sponsoring holes, don’t miss it!
- Register your team: https://bit.ly/2025GolfDayTeamRego
- Sponsor a hole: https://bit.ly/2025GolfDaySponsorship
See you on the green!
Sponsors Update
AAA ELECTRICAL
We’re proud to have AAA Electrical back on board as a key sponsor for the 2025 season! A trusted name in electrical services across the Hunter, Les Bennett and the AAA Electrical team bring over 20 years of experience in delivering safe, high-quality solutions for homes, businesses and industrial projects. Their ongoing support of the Wanderers reflects their deep commitment to the local community and the values of teamwork, reliability and excellence.
Whether it’s powering homes or backing the Two Blues, AAA Electrical is all about doing the job right. We’re thrilled to have them as part of the Wanderers family again this year—thanks to the team at AAA for helping keep the lights on, both on and off the field!
That’s all for now!
Let’s go for this weekend’s games!
Go the Two Blues!
