A MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB
As we move into the middle of the season, there’s plenty happening across the Wanderers community. While wet weather has disrupted some rugby over the past month, there has been no shortage of activity around the club, from a hugely successful Sponsors Day to strong performances across our senior and junior teams.
This edition includes updates from all grades, celebrates some significant milestones, welcomes new families to the club, and looks ahead to some exciting events still to come. As always, thank you to our players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, members and supporters who continue to make Wanderers such a special club.
SPONSORS DAY 2026 RECAP
While the weather may have prevented any rugby from being played, our annual Sponsors Day was still an outstanding success.
More than 80 sponsors, members and guests attended the event, creating a fantastic opportunity for businesses to network, connect with fellow sponsors and spend time with members of the Wanderers community. The feedback received since the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sponsors commenting on the quality of the experience and the value of building relationships within the club network.
Events like Sponsors Day are an important part of recognising and thanking the businesses that support Wanderers throughout the year, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment.
A huge thank you also goes to the volunteers and helpers who worked behind the scenes to make the day possible. Your efforts ensured the event was a tremendous success despite the lack of rugby action.
Round 8 – Wanderers v Maitland
After a weekend off, rugby returns to No. 2 Sportsground next Saturday 13 June as Wanderers host Maitland across our senior grades.
With free entry at the gate for all home games in 2026, there’s never been a better excuse to come down, support the teams and enjoy an afternoon of rugby with the Wanderers community. Better yet, save your entry money and spend it in the Blue Room, where the refreshments will be cold and the atmosphere will be as strong as ever.
We’d love to see a big home crowd get behind the boys and girls as they take on the Blacks. 💙🩵
Premier 1
May proved to be a month of mixed results for First Grade.
The month began against a much-improved University side. While Uni have always been known for their youthful enthusiasm, they have taken significant strides this season and proved difficult opposition, with Wanderers going down 52–8.
The response from the group was immediate. Following some honest reflection, the team travelled to Passmore Oval to face Hamilton and produced one of their strongest performances of the season. Playing fast, direct rugby with renewed confidence, Wanderers recorded an impressive 37–12 victory.
Round 2 commenced with a trip to a wet Townsend Oval to take on Merewether Carlton. While the scoreboard wasn’t favourable, the effort and commitment shown by the group was evident throughout, with a handful of costly errors ultimately proving the difference.
With combinations continuing to develop and players becoming more familiar with each other, there are plenty of positive signs heading into the second half of the season.
Premier 2
Premier 2 have started the season in outstanding fashion, sitting undefeated at five wins from five matches.
The squad continues to build strong combinations across the park, with several new players making valuable contributions both on and off the field. The depth available has created healthy competition for positions, giving coaches the challenge of fitting a wealth of talent into the weekly side.
The leadership group has been instrumental in guiding the team through key moments, helping maintain composure and connection when momentum shifts during matches.
While pleased with the start to the year, the focus remains firmly on continued improvement and ensuring the squad is ready to support First Grade whenever required. The group is also fortunate to benefit from a dedicated coaching and management team who continue to do a tremendous amount behind the scenes.
Premier 3
Season 2026 has been a strong one so far for Premier 3.
Currently sitting second on the ladder with three wins and two losses, the side has built its success on a defensive mindset, with both losses coming by narrow margins of seven points and five points respectively.
Managing a squad of approximately 35 players has been one of the season’s biggest challenges, but the players have embraced the team-first mentality that continues to define the group. Building combinations while ensuring opportunities for all players remains a key focus.
Premier 3 also continues to provide valuable support to Friday Night 4’s each week and will proudly continue to do so throughout the remainder of the season.
Following the recent break, the team is eager to attack the second half of the year with aggressive defence and an exciting attacking style.
Wanderers Women
The Wanderers Women have built a reputation this season as one of the competition’s toughest defensive teams.
Conceding an average of just one try per game, the side has established a strong defensive foundation that has allowed them to remain highly competitive throughout the opening rounds.
Following an early-season loss to Hamilton, the team has continued to improve rapidly. Highlights include an outstanding 85-point performance against Singleton and a dominant 19–7 victory over reigning premiers Hamilton Hawks.
Several players have also achieved significant milestones and representative honours. Congratulations to Zoe McLaughlin and Madi Butler on reaching 50 games for Wanderers, while Georgie Ball, Madi Butler, Holly Ford, Brooke Walklate, Ashley Rehbien and Ellie Smailes were all selected to represent Hunter at this year’s Country Championships.
The future looks bright for this talented and determined group.
Friday Night 4’s
Fourth Grade has commenced the 2026 season as a force to be reckoned with.
With a renewed focus on inclusiveness, player development and maintaining strong club culture, the team has enjoyed dominant victories over Newcastle Griffins and Maitland and currently sits atop the competition ladder.
Wet weather has limited further opportunities to take the field, however attention now turns to a blockbuster clash against last year’s Grand Finalists, Maitland.
📅 Friday 12 June
📍 No. 2 Sportsground
The evening will also celebrate a remarkable milestone as Matthew Bowman plays his 300th Grade game for Wanderers.
The canteen and Blue Room will be open from 6pm. We encourage all members and supporters to come along and help celebrate a true club legend.
The Wanderers Dads & Lads are back for another year, and in true Wanderers fashion – with their cheeky new jerseys as pictured above.
The annual Dads & Lads carnival will be hosted by Maitland Blacks at Marcellin Park on Saturday 14 June, featuring teams from Wanderers, Singleton, Merewether, Hamilton, Maitland, Cooks Hill and University, including both men’s and women’s teams.
Importantly, the event is being held in support of Kath and Dave Swain and Stronger Together For Spinal Support.
Following the rugby, a bus trip has been organised with celebrations continuing at our valued sponsor, The Commonwealth Hotel, where “The Real Cookies and Cream” will perform an acoustic set from 6:30pm.
We encourage all Wanderers members and supporters to get along, cheer on our Dads & Lads and support a fantastic cause.
Celebrating Mother’s Day
A fantastic weekend of junior rugby was made even more special as our Under 10’s took the opportunity to celebrate the incredible mums within their team.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all mothers, grandmothers, carers and volunteers who support our players every week. From early morning starts to sideline encouragement, your contribution is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
It was wonderful to see our young players recognise the important role these special people play within our rugby community.
Under 16’s Experience Rugby Spirit
Our Under 16’s travelled to Ernie Calland Oval on 9 May to take on Southern Beaches in a match played with excellent spirit and sportsmanship.
Following the game, Southern Beaches generously hosted players, parents, referees and committee members for a shared morning tea. The opportunity for both clubs to come together off the field created a welcoming atmosphere and highlighted the community values that make junior rugby so special.
We sincerely thank Southern Beaches for their hospitality and look forward to welcoming them later in the season.
Welcome to Wanderers
After relocating to Newcastle in late 2025, one family has quickly found a home within the Wanderers community.
Charlie, playing in the Under 11’s, has embraced positional rugby and quickly settled into the forwards, while younger brother Freddie is enjoying his first experience of tackle rugby in the Under 8’s.
Their father, Nicol, has also jumped straight into club life, taking on the role of Under 8’s Manager and helping contribute to the welcoming culture that makes Wanderers special.
We are delighted to have the entire family as part of Wanderers Rugby.
100 Games for Matt Abson
Round 5 saw Matthew Abson make his 100th appearance for Wanderers in the clash against Maitland FC.
Throughout his time at the club, Matt has built a reputation as one of Wanderers’ toughest and most reliable competitors. His willingness to put the team first, his resilience and his consistency have earned enormous respect from teammates, coaches and supporters alike.
Congratulations Matt on reaching this outstanding milestone. We look forward to many more games in the blue and sky blue.
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
🎟 Early Bird: $80 (until 11 July)
🎟 General Admission: $90 (from 12 July)
Over 12 years proudly sponsoring Wanderers Rugby, SHAC Architects continue to support great leadership, great culture and great people. We design the local places our players and families go to school and uni, the houses and apartments they live in, the hospitals they get patched up in and the places they go on holidays, including resorts, clubs and hospitality venues. If you are thinking lifestyle and property value-add think SHAC.
Wanderers SHACed-up 18 years ago way back in 2008 when Jack Hamilton joined as a 9-year-old (playing Under 10’s two years in a row) alongside Lachie Earp, Tom Wiseman and Lachie James. Jack’s dad, Managing Director of SHAC, Justin Hamilton, volunteered as team manager while mum Julie worked in the canteen.
The Wanderers journey grew to include Hunter Barbarians, Junior Wildfires, a successful tour to New Zealand and NSW State Championship success.
Jack went on to play more than 200 games for Wanderers and now finds himself in the UK, where he recently captained Oxford University Rugby Union First XV to a Varsity victory. Earlier this year, he also returned to No. 2 Sportsground during a tour of Australia.
Another SHAC Director, Joel de Carle, and wife Nicole have continued the Wanderers family tradition, volunteering throughout their sons Cooper (U18’s) and Charlie’s (U15’s) rugby journeys over the past five seasons. Tours, grand finals and lifelong friendships have all been part of their Wanderers experience.
We thank SHAC Architects for their continued support of Wanderers Rugby Club.
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!