The 2025 season is fast approaching, and it’s been fantastic to see our Seniors and Juniors back on the paddock for pre-season training, along with our Netball teams filling up! There’s plenty of hard work ahead as we gear up for a huge year. If you’re yet to register for our rugby teams, there is still time – we welcome you to join us for the 2025 season. We’ve also got some exciting events coming up – check out the details below.
2025 Club Committee Update
STRENGTHENING CLUB MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
Strategic reviews were completed in 2007, 2017, 2019 and 2021 which identified and refined the following focus areas or pillars: Facilities; Retention & Recruitment; Management & Membership; Brand & Communication; Finance & Commercial; Volunteers.
The 2025 Committee has established a Management & Membership subcommittee to ensure compliance with our constitutional objective: “To control and manage the affairs of the Club in an efficient and business-like manner.” Our goal is to uphold the ‘One Club’ philosophy by focusing on clear roles, succession planning, and effective communication policies. The subcommittee provides monthly progress updates.
A significant challenge for new committee members and volunteers has always been a smooth transition. This requires effective knowledge transfer and preserving “Club memory.” This relies on understanding how club activities are managed, where resources are located, how to access them, who is involved, and who to contact for assistance.
While the existing Constitution and By-Laws offer some guidance, they were published in 2011 and may not reflect current best practices.
By Law Section 4 Club Operation states: A range of duties must be completed to ensure the continuing operation of the Club in accordance with the Constitution and the annual plan. The duties of the Committee as defined by the Constitution shall take precedent. An outline of roles and associated duties is included in appendices to this document.
The role outlines describe what should be done but lack guidance on how to complete those activities and ensure compliance without becoming bureaucratic. Most significantly, reality dictates consistency and compliance are impossible if we rely on varying groups of people to read, interpret and follow these role outlines. To address this, it is proposed to establish simple procedures that COMPLEMENT and enhance the Constitution and By-Laws.
Initial progress has been made with implementation of procedure BP3.3.4 Manage Club Communication. This procedure outlines the method used by the Brand and Communications subcommittee to ensure members and supporters are informed of Club Activity by means of monthly Newsletters and weekly Broadcasts during each season.
Junior Rugby Update
The 2025 Juniors season is in full swing, with all teams hitting the training paddock last week and a strong turnout across most age groups. The first game of the season is locked in for Saturday, 5th April, and there’s plenty happening as we prepare for a huge year ahead!
REGISTRATIONS – MORE PLAYERS WANTED!
We now have 165+ juniors registered, but we’re still looking for more players in most age groups, especially U7s, U8s, and U10s. Be sure to encourage your friends and their kids to get involved, and if you haven’t signed up yet, register via Rugby Explorer or reach out to Registrar – Steph Kakoulidis or our President – Ben Towers.
WEE WANDERERS
Over the past three Fridays, 60+ young Wanderers have enjoyed skills, games, and new friendships in our Wee Wanderers program. The final session is this Friday, 28th February (5-6pm), followed by a short presentation in the Blue Room. It’s not too late to join! $20 covers a BBQ, fruit drink, jersey, and a special gift.
Huge thanks to sponsor Active Finance, Adam Lewis, and our senior players for making this program a success!
TRIAL MATCHES – SAVE THE DATES!
- Saturday, 8th March – Nelson Bay
- Saturday, 22nd March – Maitland
⏰ Times TBC – stay updated via your team’s WhatsApp group.
UNDER 16 BOYS JAPAN TOUR
Our U16 boys have been hard at work for the past six months, gearing up for their exciting Japan Tour. This marks the first time a Wanderers Juniors team will travel to Japan. A huge thank you to Estilio Travel Sydney for organising this incredible opportunity to play and explore Japanese culture. The team has been actively fundraising, and we deeply appreciate the support from our parents, players, and the entire Wanderers community.
The boys will depart on Monday 14th April and return on Wednesday 23rd April. During their stay, they will play three matches in Kumagaya, Shibuya, and Shizuoka. Additionally, they will have ample opportunities to explore Tokyo and immerse themselves in the rich Japanese culture and cuisine. Please stay tuned for a more detailed itinerary which will be shared with the Wanderers community very soon.
COACH DEVELOPMENT – INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE
This year, we’re putting a strong focus on coach development, ensuring our juniors get the best skills and drills to be game-ready.
“Coach the Coaches” kicks off this Thursday with an emphasis on up-skilling, fun game-based learning, and defence/contact technique. We will also be putting in place a coaching mentor system launching soon and we will be introducing specialist coaches & senior players at Junior training sessions to provide extra support.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – GET INVOLVED!
A huge thank you to those already helping, but we still need more hands on deck! Even one hour on game days makes a difference. We’re looking for help with:
- Canteen
- Ground Marshalls
- Coaches/Trainers
- Referees & Assistants
- Ground Set-Up
- Jumper Washing
Many hands make light work! To volunteer, reach out to a Committee member or your team’s manager. Let’s work together and make 2025 a season to remember!
Senior Rugby Update
RUGBY 7’s TOURNAMENT
Over the off-season both the Men’s and Women’s squad each formed a 7’s Premier Squad for both the Mick Whale Memorial 7’s and Crescent Head Team Spirit 7’s Tournaments. Throughout both competitions, each individual player shown tremendous athleticism and hard work in their pursuit for gold.
Unfortunately both teams fell short of a Final appearance in both competitions with a similar outcome of close margin defeats.
A huge congratulations is in order for all involved, with a special mention to all the players putting in the hard work at training during the off season break.
Netball
We’re excited to announce that registration for Wanderers Netball has closed and we will be fielding eight senior and under 21’s teams this year. A busy time ahead for our players as we prepare for the 2025 season, set to begin on Saturday 5 April, 2025.
Wanderers Rugby Community Update
WANDERERS GIVE BACK AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY LUNCH
On Sunday, 16 February, a group of Wanderers men, led by Club Captain Daniel, joined Newcastle Grammar School students to help serve and support 65 guests at the Christ Church Cathedral Community Lunch. This fortnightly initiative has been providing free hot meals to those in need for 40 years, and we’re proud to be part of it.
If you and your teammates would like to get involved, contact Andrew Trail via email.
JOIN THE WANDERERS RUGBY COMMUNITY FOR 2025!
Become a Wanderers Rugby Community Member and enjoy exclusive perks all season long!
🔹 Entry & undercover seating at No. 2 Sportsground
🍺 1 free beer or wine at every home game
🧢 Special edition WRC Centenary Cap (collect at No. 2)
🎟️ Invitations to WRC events – including Back to Wanderers Day & Annual Luncheon
📩 Wanderers Blues News & weekly updates (unsubscribe anytime)
Cost: $150 – Click below to sign up and be part of the Blues Family! 👇
Join now
Upcoming Events
Sponsor Update
The Commonwealth Hotel
Just around the corner from No. 2 Sportsground, The Commonwealth Hotel, Cooks Hill, is the spiritual home of the Wanderers after dark. Built in 1882, “The Commy” is a Newcastle institution, serving up cold drinks, delicious meals, and great company.
Join us on Fridays for Joker Poker for your chance to win cash from the Joker Poker Cabinet. Funds raised support Wanderers Rugby Club. Tickets on sale from 6pm and the draw starts at 7pm.
Stick around for Newy’s best pub feed—book ahead to avoid missing out!
See you at The Commy! 🍔🍻
