Coaching Announcement
We’re proud to announce the appointments of our 2025 1st Grade Coaching Team, comprising of Luke Sherwood and Andrew Tuala. Luke and Andrew replace the previously announced coach, Luke Braid, who is no longer able to join the Two Blues for the 2025 season due to a change of plans.
Luke Sherwood steps into the role after two years as Assistant Coach, a highly decorated rugby career with Wanderers, and having led a highly successful pre-season training program so far this year. A true Wanderers stalwart, Luke has played in three winning 1st Grade premiership teams (2005, 2009, 2014), captained the 2014 squad, and holds the record for most First Grade games in club history (237 games). We’re excited for what lies ahead under Luke’s leadership.
Andrew Tuala brings a wealth of experience back to Wanderers as one half of the 2025 1st Grade Coaching Team. A former professional hooker and prop, Andrew has played at the highest levels of the game, including stints with the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby and Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Known for his physicality and versatility in the front row, he also represented Samoa at the international level. A proud Wanderer, Andrew’s return to the club marks a full-circle moment, bringing elite-level insight and passion to his new coaching role.
Season Launch Highlights
A huge thank you to our sponsors, Committee members, and club volunteers who joined us at the Commonwealth Hotel Newcastle for our 2025 Season Launch on Saturday 15 March.
It was an afternoon full of great company, club spirit, and exciting insights into the year ahead. Special thanks to our panel of speakers—including our Women’s coach, three team captains, a long-term sponsor, and a valued Committee member—for sharing their thoughts and passion for the Two Blues.
🎥 Check out the event video here:
We’re excited to announce the introduction of the Waltrix Kids Club during home games in 2025, thanks to our valued sponsor, Waltrix.
We’re currently looking for responsible childcare workers or babysitters aged 18+ to run the Kids Club in the Community Room. All applicants must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). These are paid positions for successful candidates.
📩 To express your interest, email David Campbell and please include your WWCC number and relevant experience.
Junior Rugby Update
Our Juniors season is off to a cracking start in 2025, with over 185 players already registered and plenty of energy on the paddock! From our Wee Wanderers sessions to trial matches and coach development, there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes. Keen to know more—or get involved? Click through for all the details in our Juniors Update!
We’re off to a flying start with over 185 kids registered—one of our best years yet! We’re still looking for players for our Under 7s (tag rugby), open to children aged 4–7. For more inormation on registration please email registrar.juniors@wanderersrugby.com.au.
Wee Wanderers Wrap-Up
Our Friday afternoon Wee Wanderers sessions in February saw around 60–70 little legends learning new skills and having fun. Thanks to Adam Lewis and our senior players for running such a fun and inclusive program!
Training & Coaching
All junior teams have been back on the paddock for a month now and training hard. We recently held a Coach the Coaches session and we’ll continue to support our coaching team throughout the season. Big thanks to Brent Dale, Shane Goldthorpe, Darren Young, Andrew Katoa, and Dan Beckett for sharing their expertise and passion.
Trial Matches
Our first trial against Nelson Bay on Saturday 8 March was a fantastic day of rugby, with all teams getting valuable time on the field. A big shoutout to our new players for an impressive start to their Wanderers journey!
🗓 Next up: Saturday 22 March at Marcellin Park vs Maitland
- U8 & U9 – 8:30am
- U10 & U11 – 9:15am
- U12 & U14 – 10:10am
- U15 & U16 – 11:15am
- U18 – 12:30pm
Volunteers Needed
With the season kicking off Saturday 5 April, we’ll need all hands on deck. From canteen and BBQ duties to ground set-up, pack-up, refereeing and washing jerseys—we can’t do it without you!
Speak to your team manager to get involved—we’ll be running a roster system to spread the load.
Important Dates:
📦 Gear Muster & Distribution – Wed 2 & Thurs 3 April (before/after training)
🏉 Round 1 – Saturday 5 April
🎉 Juniors Day – Saturday 10 May
Senior Rugby Update
2025 SEASON
Only 2 weeks to go! Our Seniors kick off the 2025 season with a huge home clash against last year’s runners-up, the Maitland Blacks, at No. 2 Sportsground. Don’t miss it!
WOMENS TEAM UPDATE
Big news from one of our stars!
Brooke Walklate has been contracted to play in the inaugural Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) competition in the United States for Chicago Tempest.
The comp kicks off 23 March 2025, and Brooke’s already hard at it in pre-season.
“I’m really enjoying the adventure so far—the team has been super welcoming and we’ve been training hard. Excited to see where the season takes us!”
Congratulations, Brooke—we’ll be cheering you on from across the globe!
Netball
The netball season starts Saturday 5 April, and our eight teams are training hard for a big year ahead!
Finals begin on Saturday 30 August, and we’re hopeful to see several of our teams heading to grand final day on Saturday 6 September. Good luck to all our players!
Wanderers Rugby Community Update
1975 Premiership Team Reunion
The 1975 Premiership Team Reunion will take place over the ANZAC Day weekend. The team will form a special honour guard for the 1XV as they run on against Merewether Carlton for the ANZAC Day match, before gathering at the Commonwealth Hotel from 3pm on Saturday 26 April for an afternoon of memories, mateship and storytelling. All 1975 Premiership team members are warmly welcome to join the celebration.
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
Sponsors Update
ETHOS HEALTH
Ethos Health is excited to announce that they will once again be the official physiotherapy sponsor for the Wanderers Rugby Club for the 2025 season. After several years of partnership, Ethos Health is proud to continue supporting the team and ensuring their players receive top-notch care both on and off the field. Physiotherapist Nick Hewitt will once again be providing game day coverage, ensuring the players’ health and safety throughout the season. In addition, Ethos Health will be offering the recovery clinic to Wanderers players once the season kicks off, with more details to come soon. Ethos Health is thrilled to continue this long-standing relationship and looks forward to another successful year with the Wanderers Rugby Club.
ETHOS HEALTH
That’s all for now!
Looking forward to a big 2025 season ahead.
Go the Two Blues!
