A MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB
With July underway, it’s time to look back on another busy and successful month for Wanderers. June was packed with highlights across the club, from strong performances on the field and representative honours to community initiatives and the launch of our Under 15s Japan Tour fundraising campaign.
Here’s a recap of everything that happened around the club during June.
Premier 1
June saw mixed results again for 1st grade. After tight losses to Maitland and University, largely as a result of some execution errors, 1st grade needed to bounce back against a tough Hamilton outfit. While this wasn’t the most entertaining game, a spirited performance in defense and some crafty play resulted in our P1 men’s team taking the chocolates and getting a much needed win.
July was off to a strong start with a win against Southern Beaches in a catch-up game, and we are now on the down hill run towards the end of the season, with plans to keep the wins coming so we lock in that semi final birth sooner rather than later.
Premier 2
Premier 2 continued their outstanding form throughout June, extending their winning streak with victories over Maitland, University and Hamilton. The side has built strong momentum through consistent performances, with excellent squad depth and leadership continuing to drive the team’s success. With confidence high, the focus remains on maintaining their unbeaten run and continuing to improve as the season progresses.
Premier 3
After a disappointing performance against University, P3’s bounced back in style with a well-earned victory over a gallant Hawks side, while also celebrating George Ashworth’s 250th game for the club.
The win moves us into third place on the ladder, and with our defence conceding an average of just 10 points per game, we’re giving ourselves every opportunity to keep climbing.
Our young forward pack was outstanding once again, with Vlad and Manny doing their best to lift the average age considerably! George provided great leadership to our young halves, Gus and Finn, who controlled the game well and consistently gave our backs quality ball, leading to some excellent passages of attacking rugby.
Overall, the mighty P3’s are committed to playing an attractive brand of rugby built around strong ball retention, quick ball movement, and backing ourselves to play. Good things are brewing with this young side, so do yourself a favour and get down and to watch us in action each weekend. We’d love your support—and we don’t think you’ll regret it!
Wanderers Women
June was a cracker of a month for the Wanderers Women’s First XV, with four wins from four.
The month kicked off on 3rd June with a 31-0 win over Uni at Ernie Calland. We also caught up on celebrations that had been put on hold, marking Annabelle Lambert’s 50th game with the club at Wednesday training. Fifty games is a huge effort, and it was well earnt.
Maitland came to No.2 Sportsground on 13th June, where the girls put in a strong performance to win 34-5. The travelling roadshow then hit Singleton on 20th June, with the Commy bus put on thanks to our club sponsors, and the team ran out 43-0 winners.
Cooks Hill made the trip to No.2 on 27th June for a great contest between the two sides, with Wanderers coming out on top 50-7.
To round out June and head into our bye round, we hosted an opposed session against the Wildfires. Thanks to Lee Sullivan, Head Coach of the Women’s Wildfires, for reaching out, and good luck to them for the rest of their season.
Looking ahead, get down to No.2 on Thursday 9th July for a 6:30pm kick off against the Hamilton Hawks — a rematch of the 2025 grand final. Good luck also to Madi Buttler, Georgie Ball, Brooke Walklate and Holly Ford, heading to the Country training day in Maitland, where a squad will be selected to represent the NSW Country Corellas.
Friday Night 4’s
4th Grade continues on its merry way, remaining undefeated through 5 games, with one game in hand of second placed Cooks Hill Brown Snakes. Tries are a plenty with 4’s playing and expansive and free flowing brand of rugby that Wanderers in renowned for.
Numbers and comradery remain high with many new faces embracing the Wanderers spirit and the few well-seasoned faces returning, namely Ben Ham, Liam Brice, and Scott Herrmann.
We encourage all supporters to come along to our final home game of the season at No 2, Friday 24 July, where will be playing Maitland. 6:15pm kick off with canteen and Blue Room open from 6pm.
Season Update
Welcome to July, where the season really starts to heat up.
With finals just around the corner after Round 16, every match from here on will play a crucial role in shaping the ladder. The competition couldn’t be tighter, with six teams currently in contention for the top four positions, making every point and every result count.
The race to secure a finals berth is well and truly on, and we can expect some exciting, hard-fought rugby over the coming weeks. It’s a fantastic time of the season for players, coaches, volunteers, officials, and supporters as teams battle to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Under 15s Begin Their Journey to Japan 2027
Our Under 15s are excited to kick off their fundraising campaign for their 2027 Japan Tour. This will be a fantastic opportunity for our players to develop their skills, experience a new culture, and represent our club on an international stage.
Throughout the coming months, the team will be raising funds through a range of initiatives, including the 100 Club, raffles, and our popular Mango Fundraiser. We encourage all members, families, and supporters to get behind the team and help make this incredible opportunity a reality.
Save the Date! Two major fundraising events are planned for September:
- Bunnings BBQ
- Ladies High Tea
More information, including dates, ticket details, and ways you can get involved, will be shared soon.
Thank you for your continued support of our Under 15s as they embark on their journey towards Japan in 2027.
NSW Junior Rugby Union Open Boys Representatives
Congratulations to our NSW Junior Rugby Union Open Boys Representatives!
A huge congratulations to Xavier Schneider on his selection in the NSW Junior Rugby Union Harlequins and Thijs Becket on his selection in the NSW Junior Rugby Union Barbarians.
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to your hard work, commitment, and dedication throughout the season. We are incredibly proud to see you both representing at such a high level and wish you every success in the upcoming representative campaign.
Well done, Xavier and Thijs—your club, coaches, teammates, and families are all behind you!
Junior Development Squad Announcements
Under 10’s Blue:
- Oliver Sims
- Owen Prinsloo
- Lachlan Trenter
- Frederick Montgomery
- Josevata Lotawa
Under 10 Red:
- Finn Bochenek
- James Fitzgerald
- William Dagg
Under 12’s
- Jude Renfrew
- Van Kakoulidis
- Drew Chapman
- Sebastian Dagg
- Finley Stenson
- Sam COntempree
- Archie Holbert
- Chris Kroon
- Lachlan Day
- Harry Warren
Girls 12’s
- Zahli Po’ese
Under 13’s
- Ralph Boylan
- Zachary Dampney
- Jacob Fitzgerald
- Noah Konik
- Blainey O’Brien
- Xavier Kamprad
- Campbell Towers
- Ben White
Community Lunch
A number of our Under 16s players recently took part in the Christ Church outreach program, which supports people experiencing hardship or who are less fortunate.
It was a humbling and rewarding experience for everyone involved, giving our players the opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a greater appreciation for the challenges others face. We are proud of the way they represented our club and embraced the chance to make a positive difference.
Super Rugby Tipping Comp
The Wanderers Super Rugby Tipping Competition has wrapped up, with a fantastic $270 raised for our Under 15s fundraising efforts — including $110 from the competition and a generous prize donation from our first place winner. A big thank you to everyone who entered, tipped along throughout the season and helped support our U15s. Your support is greatly appreciated!
1st Place: Arron Mann
First prize was a Super Rugby Jersey, team of choice. Arron has kindly not taken the prize and donated the $160 prize amount to the U`15’s Japan trip fundraising.
2nd Place: Laura Simms
Second prize was a super rugby training shirt and Laura has gone with a Hurricanes shirt.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 25 July – Kick-off at 1pm
One of the most anticipated events on the Wanderers social calendar is fast approaching.
Guests can look forward to:
- Catering by Sprout Catering
- Premium drink package by Nicholas Crampton
- Live music and entertainment
- Fantastic raffle prizes supporting the Epilepsy Foundation
- Courtesy bus to The Commonwealth Hotel after the event
Tickets
LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD TICKETS: $80 (until 11 July)
General Admission: $90 (from 12 July)
GOLD SPONSOR: METHOD ACCOUNTING
The Wanderers are proud to recognise Method Accounting as one of our valued Gold Sponsors. Method Accounting partners with small businesses across Australia, providing expert tax, accounting and business advisory services with a focus on helping business owners achieve sustainable growth, build wealth and reach their long-term goals. Their personalised approach means clients receive practical advice and ongoing support, not just at tax time.
Leading the business is Todd Henderson, a familiar face to generations of Wanderers members. Todd is more than just a sponsor – he’s a true club person whose contribution spans decades both on and off the field. A two-time First Grade premiership winner, Todd played more than 100 First Grade matches and over 200 games for the club, leaving a lasting legacy in the two blues jersey.
Today, Todd continues to give back as Premier 1 Team Manager and Club Treasurer, dedicating countless hours behind the scenes to ensure the club continues to thrive.
Huge thanks Todd at Method Accounting for his ongoing support of Wanderers Rugby. If you’re looking for trusted accounting, taxation or business advisory services, please support those who support our club by getting in touch with Method Accounting.
Did we miss something?
Do you have important news to share with the Wanderers community? Email it to brand@wanderersrugby.com.au for consideration in the Blues News or on our social channels. We’d love to help spread the word!