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Sydney Club Rugby History

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Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
1874 and all that

Who was the “Premier Club of the Colony of New South Wales” ?

If you are interested in Sydney club rugby you would think that it would be quite easy to find out who were the premiers from the time of the start of the New South Wales Rugby Union in 1874 (as the Southern Rugby Football Union).

Well like life and relationships, the question of who were premiers is complicated.

For one thing, there are two differing lists of “premiers” for the years 1874 to 1878.

  • One is the accepted (“official”) list which appears regularly in newspapers and is quoted in rugby publications and on wikipedia.
  • The second is the one appearing in Tom Hickie’s book -"A Sense of Union. The History of the Sydney University Football Club" 1998 (Appendix 49 page 351).
Tom Hickie acknowledges (page 36 of his book) that:- “…it has generally been accepted by both official andunofficial rugby publications that the premier clubs from 1874 to 1879 were as follows: 1874 Waratah; 1875 Balmain; 1876 Wallaroo; 1877–1879 Wallaroo.” However, he believes that this list is incorrect.

For the years of 1874, 1875, 1877 and 1878, his list is at variance with the “official’’ list. For 1876, and from 1879 onwards the two lists are the same.

Based on a review of the 1874 season (as reported in the Sydney Mail of 9 October 1875), plus research into the result of matches published in newspapers, Tom Hickie’s view is that:
“the NSWRU records are probably incorrect for 1874 [giving the premiership to Waratah], but also for attributing 1875 premiership to Balmain ...” [Hickie page 37].

It is clear from Tom Hickie’s research that Sydney “premiers” in 1874 and 1875 were not the clubs that won the most games.

In 1874, the Wallaroo Football Club was undefeated. The Waratah club, on the other hand, lost two games (one to Wallaroo, one to St.Leonards), but the “accepted” list has Waratah as the “premier club” in 1874.

Similarly in 1875, Balmain only won two games (against University and Goulburn). It lost a return match against University, lost to Waratah, and drew with Wallaroo. Balmain, however, is listed as 1875 premiers.

The Tom Hickie list for 1874-1878 is:
1874 Wallaroo (instead of Waratah)
1875 University & Waratah(instead of Balmain)
1876 Wallaroo(the same)
1877 University(instead of Wallaroo)
1878 Wallaroo & Waratah(instead of Wallaroo alone)

Sadly, there is no help from records of the Southern Rugby Football Union to resolve the issue. Hickie (page 36) reports that “the SRFU at its AGM, held in April 1875, did not declare a premier club for 1874 ....”

An example of two authors that used the “accepted” list are:

Jack Pollard in "Australian Rugby Union - The Game and the Players" 1984 - page 86.

John Mulford in “Men in Scarlet: History of the Balmain, Glebe and Drummoyne Rugby Clubs 1874-2000” pages 1.2 and 1.3 ; and also in “Guardians of the Game – The History of the New South Wales Rugby Union 1874 -2004”).

John Mulford refers to Balmain as the “1875 Premiers”. He writes how their game against Goulburn, in August 1875, “sealed the First Grade Premiership for Balmain.”

He also accepts (in “Guardians of the Game” page 23) that the Waratah club were “winners of the club premiership in 1874”.

Why the difference? Some speculation

It was not until 1883 (with the introduction of the Gardiner Challenge Cup) that a structured competition was established with a centralised list of fixtures arranged by the Rugby Union. Previously, clubs arranged their own matches and did not necessarily play the same teams or the same number of games as their rivals.

The Tom Hickie list is based on results as reported in the papers. He has compiled competition tables from available results (and awarded competition points for wins and draws) to decide/illustrate the most successful club. However, no such tables existed nor were competition points awarded in those years. Competition points (or “points attained”) only came into use in 1890.

To add a further complication, Tom Hickie decided his “premiers” by only considering the games played between the top (three or four) clubs and not on all games that they played. This is an approach that takes into account the factor of “quality of the opposition”. Results of matches against “junior” clubs are ignored.

In 1882, there was a similar view in the Sydney Mail that only 4 clubs mattered:
“ ... the only contests which were looked to with any degree of interest [over the years] were those in which the University, Wallaroo, Waratah, and King’s School were engaged.” [Source: Sydney Mail Sat 10 June 1882 p923]

However, “junior” clubs did occasionally defeat the established “senior” clubs and influenced the pecking order between those “senior” clubs. There was also the question of the King’s School. See below.

Oh no! Not another list !

If all games are considered, a third list emerges (with some differences to the existing two).

The “accepted” list, The Tom Hickie list,Based on all matches played
1874 Waratah, 1874 Wallaroo, 1874 Wallaroo
1875 Balmain, 1875 University & Waratah, 1875 Wallaroo
1876 Wallaroo, 1876 Wallaroo, 1876 Wallaroo
1877 Wallaroo, 1877 University, 1877 The King’s School
1878 Wallaroo, 1878 Wallaroo & Waratah, 1878 Wallaroo

What are we going to do about the King’s School ?

As can be seen from the comment in the Sydney Mail above, the King’s School was considered one of the leading clubs of the period. However it is never included in any of the lists of “premier clubs” (by Tom Hickie or anyone else).

In 1877, “The King’s School Football Club” was undefeated. It was the most successful club that year. Similarly, they were also undefeated in 1873, and again not acknowledged as the leading team.

In 1877, King’s played 12 matches winning them all. It beat Wallaroo (3 times) and University (twice). So there is no argument that they faced weak opponents. In comparison, that year, Wallaroo and Waratah clubs lost 4 games each, and University two.

It should be noted that the King’s School was a full member of the Rugby Union – no membership distinction was made between schools, universities or any other kind of clubs. It was involved in the setting-up of the Southern Rugby Football Union in 1874, and its headmaster (Mr. R.F. Burkitt) was elected as chairman of the first meeting.

The King’s School F.C. is not listed as the “premier” club because (so the argument by Tom Hickie goes) its players were not only students, but also included masters and ex-students who on other occasions played for other clubs - primarily for Wallaroo. Burkitt was one of such players. However, players playing for more than one club was not restricted to the King’s School. This was not uncommon at that time. There were incidents of University players turning out for St Leonards, and Toxteth players for Waratah. It seems that if your club wasn’t playing that day you could turn up and play for someone else. Remember that the games had no prizes - only boasting rights were involved. Eventually rules were put in place (in 1879) to control this. This issue became even more important when a formal competition started (in 1883).

So how were premiers decided if not by match results?

The short answer is we don’t know.

If you read the papers of the time, the title of “The Premier Club of the Colony” appears, on occasions, to have been awarded by a decision of the Rugby Union or its management committee. It was not necessarily given to the team that had the best results on the field. Results mattered, but other criteria may have also been used. What these were are not known, but quality of the opposition may have been a factor.

There are indications that being voted premiers was a method that confirmed your status, even when club games became centrally organised. For example, Redfern winners of the first Gardiner Cup in 1883 were undefeated, but in their annual report they still talk about how they were “unanimously voted supreme”.

In 1894, a committee of the Rugby Union voted Wallaroo as the “premier” club, despite a strong claim by Randwick who had beaten Wallaroo in two finals that year. The chairman of the Rugby Union committee proposed that both clubs be made joint premiers. The Wallaroo representative objected and put the motion that Wallaroo be voted premiers. This was carried. Much commentary and protest letters to the papers followed. So club politics could also play a hand! It should be noted that Randwick are shown as the premiers for 1894.


All this does not resolve the issue of who were the “correct” premiers, but it does give an insight into why there are different listings.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
CHANGES TO SYDNEY CLUB RUGBY FOR THE 1979 SEASON - THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SYDNEY THIRD DIVISION

On Monday 10 April 1978, the Sydney Rugby Union (SRU) decided, 39 votes to 23, that for 1979, there would be three divisions of 10 clubs each.

The First Division would comprise all of the 8 clubs from the 1978 “First Division A” and the top 2 clubs from the 1978 “First Division B”. (In 1977 and 1978, First Division had 16 clubs divided into “A” and “B” Divisions.)

The 1979 Second Division would be the remaining 6 clubs of the 1978 “First Division B” plus the top 4 clubs of the 1978 Second Division (based on First Grade minor premiership results).

The new Third Division would consist of the remaining 1978 Second Division clubs with 3 new clubs invited to join; making a third Division of 9 clubs. This became 8 prior to the start of the season when Teachers and South Sydney amalgamated.

The meeting also accepted the principle of promotion and relegation based on first team performance where the bottom club in First Division would be replaced by the top club in Second Division. Similarly for Second and Third Division.

On Monday 26 June 1978, the Gordon club proposed to the SRU an alternative scheme; a competition of 2 divisions of 12 teams each instead of 3 of 10. Gordon’s proposal was defeated.

St.George and Port Hacking, in late 1978, threatened to leave the SRU and join the Illawarra Rugby Union rather than be relegated. A compromise was reached where 2 teams would be promoted and relegated between First and Second Division, and one being promoted between Second and Third.

The clubs from the 1978 Second Division to join the new Second Division were to be the top four from 1978, but Hawkesbury Agricultural College, which finished third, chose to play in Third Division and was replaced by Nepean, which had finished fifth in the 1978 Second Division.

Prior to the start of the 1979 season, Teachers and South Sydney amalgamated thus reducing the Third Division to 8 teams and requiring a re-draw of the Third Division competition.

The three divisions in 1979 were:
First Division
Eastern Suburbs
Eastwood
Gordon
Manly
Northern Suburbs
Parramatta
Randwick
University of NSW
Warringah
Western Suburbs

Second Division
Campbelltown Harlequins
Canterbury-Bankstown
Drummoyne
Hornsby
Macquarie University
Nepean
Port Hacking
St.George
Smithfield
Sydney University

Third Division
Blacktown-Seven Hills*
Dundas Valley
The Forest*
Hawkesbury Agric. College
Kellyville Postal Institute*
Liverpool
Mosman
Teachers-South Sydney

* new clubs added to SRU
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
THE SECOND and THIRD DIVISION CLUBS

1. Hawkesbury Agricultural College (“Blood & Mustard”) [est. 1891]
Colours:Maroon & Gold
Home Ground:College Grounds, Richmond
Years in 1st Division:nil
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1978, 1981, 1987-1992
Years in 3rd Division:1979 -1980, 1982-1986
  • The rugby club at Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) was started in 1891 the year the college was founded.
  • In 1911, HAC joined the Sydney Suburban Competition.
  • HAC were one of the founding clubs when the Sydney Second Division was formed in 1962.
  • Between 1962-1992 played in Second and Third Divisions.
  • In 1989, HAC became part of the University of Western Sydney. The College then became known as the 'University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury'.
  • Returned to Suburban RU in 1993.
  • In 2014: Playing as UWS Hawkesbury in NSW Suburban RU Division 3.
2. Hornsby (“Lions”) [est. 1962]
Colours:Red, Black & Gold
Home Ground: Waitara Oval
Years in 1st Division:1976-1978, 1981
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1975, 1979-1980, 1982-1992
  • The Hornsby club was established in 1962 to enter a team in the newly created Second Division.
  • The club was added to First Division in 1976. Hornsby played in First Division 1976-1978 and 1981.
  • Returned to Second Division in 1982 until 1992.
  • Prior to the 1992 season, Hornsby took the Sydney Rugby Union to court in a failed attempt to gain promotion to the "SRU Premiership" (“First Division”). Hornsby had won the "SRU Metropolitan" Club Championship in 1991 and felt that they should be promoted and replace Drummoyne.
  • They remained in Second Division (“Sydney Cup”) in 1992 and then moved to the Suburban RU in 1993 when Second Division was closed down.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 3. Moving to Central Coast Rugby Union for 2015.
3. Mosman (“Whales”) [est. 1893]
Colours:Light & Dark Blue
Home Ground: Rawson Park, Mosman
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1978, 1980-1992
Year in 3rd Division:1979
  • Mosman club was established in 1893 and commenced playing in 1894.
  • It initially played in the NSWRFU’s “Third Junior Grade ‘B’ Division”. Then the Sub-Districts RU.
  • The club has a long history in the NSW Suburban Rugby Union with the Kentwell and Burke Cups (the first and second grade trophies in “Subbies” First Division) being named after the club’s former President and Vice-President.
  • A foundation club of the Sydney Second Division.
  • Chose not to be promoted to First Division.
  • Returned to NSW Suburban RU in 1993 after closure of Second Division.
  • In 2014: Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 1.
4. Port Hacking (“Endeavours”)[est. 1957]
Colours: White & Cobalt Blue (1962-1969);
Sky Blue, Black & White (from 1970)
Home Grounds:Tonkin Park, Cronulla (1962- 1970);
The Charles Forshaw Rugby Field, Sylvania Waters (from 1971)
Years in 1st Division: 1971-1978, 1983-1985
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1970, 1979-1982, 1986-1988
  • The club had played in the Sub-Districts RU competition as North Cronulla SLSC.
  • It first competed under the “Port Hacking” name, in 1962, when it entered the Sydney Second Division competition.
  • Port Hacking was added to First Division in 1971. Relegated several times to Second Division.
  • Amalgamated with St George in 1989 to form the current Southern Districts club.
  • In 2014: Playing as Southern Districts in SRU Premier Rugby.
5. Sydney Teachers College [est. 1905]
Colours:Sky Blue, Black & Gold
Home Ground:Camperdown Oval
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1966
  • There was a rugby club within the Sydney Teachers College from its first year of establishment. Rugby union was encouraged at the college in preference to other football codes. Played in a mid-week competition.
  • It was a founding member of the Sydney Second Division in 1962.
  • After competing in Second Division 1962-1966, Sydney Teachers College football club was replaced by the Teachers club 1967-1978.
  • In 1979, Teachers joined with South Sydney for one year in Third Division.
  • In 1980, Sydney Nomads a new club was formed from the Teachers club and Armidale College of Advanced Education old boys living in Sydney.
  • Sydney Teachers College (the institution) became the Sydney College of Advanced Education in 1982, and in 1990 became part of the University of Sydney.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
6. Western Suburbs [est. 1900]
Colours:Black & White
Home Ground: Concord Oval
Years in 1st Division: 1900-1914, 1920-1951, 1966-1979, 1981 to present
Years in 2nd Division:1962-1965, 1980
  • An original 1900 “district club”.
  • Western Suburbs were dropped by the NSWRU to the Sub-Districts RU in 1951.
  • Promoted to Second Division when it started.
  • In 1966, Western Suburbs were added to the First Division.
  • The club changed its name to West Harbour in 1995.
  • In 2014: Playing as West Harbour in SRU Premier Rugby.
7. University of New South Wales (“Wales”) [est. 1949 as NSW Uni of Technology]
Colours:Old Gold & Black
Home Ground ( David Phillips Field, Daceyville
Years in 1st Division: 1966-1979
Years in 2nd Division:1963-1965, 1980-1992
  • Established in 1949 as the University of Technology Rugby Union Club.
  • In 1950, the club played in a mid-week competition.
  • Joined the Sub-District Rugby Union in 1951.
  • In 1958, the university's name was changed to the "University of New South Wales"..
  • In 1963, the football team entered Second Division having declined to join it in its first year (1962) preferring to stay in “Subbies”.
  • In 1966, UNSW were added to the Sydney Rugby Union First Division.
  • With the end of Second Division, the club returned to Sub-Districts RU.
  • In 2014: Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 2.
8. Warringah (“Green Rats”) [est.1964]
Colours:Green & White
Home Grounds:Narrabeen High School (1964-1970)
Years in 1st Division: 1971 to present
Years in 2nd Division:1964-1970
  • The club was formed in 1964 to play in the newly established Second Division.
  • In Second Division 1964-1970.
  • Warringah was added to First Division in 1971 and moved to Warringah Rugby Park, North Narrabeen Reserve.
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
9. Canterbury (“Berries”) [est. 1966]
Name changed to Canterbury-Bankstown(from 1976)
Colours: Black & Sky Blue
Home Ground: Wills Ground, Earlwood
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: (as Canterbury) 1966-1975; (as Cant-Banks)1976-1985, 1987-1992
Years in 3rd Division: (as Cant-Banks) 1986
  • A junior club was formed in 1959.
  • A senior Canterbury club was formed in 1966. Joined Second Division.
  • 1993 joined Suburban RU when Second Division ended.
  • In 2014: Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 4.
10. Nepean (“Emus”) [est. 1965]
Name changed to Penrith(from 1981)
Colours:Brown & Gold (1966-1976);
White, Brown & Gold (1977-1991);
Black, Red & Green (1992)
Home Grounds: Weir Road, Penrith (1966-1971);
Emu Plains Oval No.2 (1971-1978);
Nepean Rugby Park, North Penrith (from 1979 to present)
Years in 1st Division: (as Penrith) 1995 to present
Years in 2nd Division: (as Nepean) 1966-1980, (as Penrith) 1984-1992
Years in 3rd Division: (as Penrith) 1981-1983
  • The club was formed in 1965 (as Nepean).
  • Joined the new Second Division in 1966.
  • It was renamed Penrith in 1981 when relegated to Third Division.
  • Penrith went to Suburban RU when Second Division was closed down after 1992.
  • Penrith was added to the (First Division) Premier Rugby competition in 1995.
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
11. South Sydney [re-est. 1967]
Colours:Cardinal Red & Myrtle Green
Home Grounds:Randwick Military Oval (1967-1969);
Moore Park No. 10 (1971);
Sydney Cricket Ground No.2 (1972-1978, 1980)
Years in 1st Division: (original club) 1900-1914
Years in 2nd Division:1967-1978
Years in 3rd Division:1980
  • The original South Sydney was a founding club of the “district competition”, established in 1900. It played in that competition from 1900 until 1914.
  • The club also played some non-competition games during World War I, but did not reform for 1919 when competitive club rugby returned to Sydney after the war.
  • Joined Second Division in 1967. Played in Second Division 1967-1978.
  • For 1979, South Sydney were relegated to Third Division and joined with Teachers (as Teachers-South Sydney) for that year.
  • In 1980, South Sydney played in Third Division in its own right, losing all its games and folding after that season.
  • There is no rugby union club in Sydney with the historic “South Sydney” name.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
12. Teachers [est. 1967]
Colours:Black & Gold
Home Ground:Camperdown Park (1967-1969);
Concord Oval (1970-75);
Granville Showground, Martha Street, Granville (1976-1978)
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1967-1978
  • In 1967, replaced Sydney Teachers College in Second Division.
  • With the creation of a Third Division for 1979, Teachers were to be one of the Second Division clubs to be relegated to that Division.
  • They joined forces with South Sydney for one season only (1979 in Third Division) as a combined club. Teachers closed after 1979.
  • In 1980, Sydney Nomads a new club was formed from the Teachers club and Armidale College of Advanced Education old boys living in Sydney.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
13. Bankstown [est. 1968]
Colours:Green & Gold
Home Ground: [1968 ground not known]
Bankstown Oval (1969-1975)
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1968-1975
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
14. Dundas Valley (“Vikings”)[est. 1971]
Colours:Blue & Gold
Home Ground:Eastwood Oval (1971-1976);
Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve, Dundas (1977-1992)
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1971-1978, 1982, 1987-1992
Years in 3rd Division:1979-1981, 1983-1986
  • A junior Dundas Valley club was formed in 1958.
  • The senior club in 1971. Joined Second Division.
  • In 1993, moved to Suburban RU.
  • At the end of the 2005 NSW Suburban Rugby season, the Dundas Valley (senior) Rugby Club folded. It was reformed again as a one team club.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 6.
15. Macquarie University (“Beacons”)[est. 1967]
Colours:Green, Gold & White
Home Ground:Macquarie University Oval, North Ryde
Years in 1st Division: 1976-1978
Years in 2nd Division:1971-1975, 1979
Years in 3rd Division:1980-1986
  • Macquarie Uni was formally established in 1964 with the first student intake in March 1967.
  • The MU rugby union club started in 1967 and was the first sports club on campus, playing in Sub-Districts.
  • Admitted to Second Division in 1971.
  • The club was added to First Division and competed there between 1976–1978.
  • Relegated to Second Division in 1979, then to Third Division in 1980-1986.
  • Returned to Suburban RU in 1987 when Third Division closed.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 4 as Macquarie University “Mac Warrior RFC” with colours of red and black.
16. Smithfield (“Warthogs”) [est. 1975]
Colours:Bottle Green, Sky Blue & White
Home Grounds:Brenan Park, Smithfield (1975-1981);
Rosford Reserve, Smithfield (1982-1986)
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1975-1985
Years in 3rd Division:1986
  • In 2014: No longer in existence
17. Liverpool (“Bulls”) [est. 1975]
Colours:Green & Gold
Home Ground: Dwyer Oval, Warwick Farm
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1976-1978, 1983-1992
Years in 3rd Division:1979-1982
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
18. Campbelltown Harlequins [est. 1972]
Colours: Black, Green, Gold, Maroon (in a ‘Harlequin’ pattern)
Home Ground:Campbelltown Showground
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1977-1983, 1986
Years in 3rd Division:1984-1985
  • The Campbelltown Harlequin Rugby Football Club was formed in 1972 and fielded a team in the Sub-Districts RU for several seasons.
  • In 1974, moved to the Illawarra District competition.
  • Campbelltown joined the Sydney Second Division competition in 1977.
  • Between 1977 and 1986, the club moved between Second and Third Divisions as promotion and relegation was operating.
  • Campbelltown returned to the Illawarra competition in 1987.
  • The Harlequins returned to the NSW Suburban RU in 2003.
  • In 2014, Campbelltown finished last in First Grade (in Suburban First Division) and second-last in the Suburban First Division Club Championship.
  • The club decided to return to the Illawarra competition again for the 2015 season, after indicating that they would not be able to fulfil the obligations required to remain in either the first or second division of the NSW Suburban Competition.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 1.
19. Drummoyne (“Dirty Reds”) [est. 1919 as Glebe-Balmain]
Colours:Scarlet with Black & Gold
Home Ground: Drummoyne Oval
Years in 1st Division: (as Glebe-Balmain) 1919-1930, (as Drummoyne) 1931-1978, 1991-1993,
(as UTS-Drummoyne) 1994
Years in 2nd Division:1979-1990
  • Formed, as Glebe-Balmain, when Balmain and Glebe clubs amalgamated after World War I.
  • Name changed to Drummoyne in 1931.
  • Played in First Division until 1978 when it was relegated to Second Division in 1979.
  • Returned to First Division 1991-1993.
  • Formed a short-lived alliance with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) for one year in 1994 as “UTS-Drummoyne” in First Division.
  • Dropped to the Suburban RU by the NSWRU in 1995.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 1.
20. St.George (“Saints”) [est.1906, re-est.1928]
Colours:White & Red
Home Ground:Hurstville Oval
Years in 1st Division: 1906-1914, 1928-1978, 1980-1984, 1986-1988
Years in 2nd Division:1979, 1985
  • St.George was originally founded in 1906 and played in the Sydney “district competition” until 1914.
  • St.George did not reform after World War I. Re-established in 1928.
  • Its time in Second Division (1979 & 1985) was due to the promotion-relegation system in operation at that time.
  • The club amalgamated with Port Hacking to form Southern Districts in 1989.
  • The amalgamated club (Southern Districts) took St George’s place in the Sydney First Division.
  • In 2003, a new club using the St George name (but no connection to the previous club) entered teams in the Fourth Division of the NSW Suburban Rugby Union using Carrs Park as its home ground.
  • In 2014: Playing as Southern Districts in SRU Premier Rugby.
21. Sydney University (“Students”) [est.1863]
Colours:Blue & Gold
Home Ground:University Oval
Years in 1st Division: 1900-1914, 1919-1978, 1980-1982, 1984 to present
Years in 2nd Division:1979, 1983
  • Sydney University is the oldest rugby club in Australia.
  • It was one of the original clubs to play in the 1900 “district competition”.
  • When promotion and relegation was established in Sydney club rugby, it was relegated to Second Division on two occasions (1979 & 1983).
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
22. Blacktown-Seven Hills(“Warriors”)[est. 1979]
Name changed toBlacktown(from 1983)
Colours: (as Blacktown-Seven Hills) Green & Gold (1979-1982);
(as Blacktown) Black, White & Orange (1983-1986)
Home Ground:Grantham Reserve, Seven Hills
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Years in 3rd Division: (as B-SH) 1979-1982, (as Blacktown)1983-1986
  • In 1960, the Seven Hills Junior Rugby Union Club was formed.
  • In 1972 a Seven Hills Sub-District side was started.
  • Blacktown club (based around the Sub-District side) joined the Sydney Third Division competition in 1979.
  • Blacktown continued in Third Division until 1986 when the club, through a lack of numbers, returned to “Subbies” playing in Division 5 (Jeffrey and Noice Cups).
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 4.
23. The Forest[est.1958]
Colours:Bottle Green & White
Home Ground:Melwood Oval, Forestville
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Years in 3rd Division:1979-1981
  • In 1958, the Forest Rugby Club was formed as a junior club playing in the Gordon Northern Districts competition.
  • In 1972, the club entered the Sydney Sub-District Competition where they stayed until 1979 when they joined the newly formed Third Division.
  • After playing in Third Division between 1979 and 1981 the club decided to return to Sub-District competition in 1982, after difficulty in fielding teams in all 4 grades.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 2.
24. Kellyville Postal Institute (“Villains”/“Villagers”) [est. 1979]
Colours:Maroon & White
Home Ground:Australian Postal Institute Grounds, Mungerie Road, Kellyville
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Years in 3rd Division:1979-1985
  • In 1972, entered Sub-Districts as Blacktown Old Boys.
  • The Australian Postal Institute (social) Club (API) opened in Kellyville in 1974 with a playing field available, but no team.
  • Blacktown Old Boys club moved to Kellyville in 1978.
  • Entered the newly formed Third Division in 1979 as the “Kellyville Postal Institute” rugby club.
  • In 1982, the API became associated with an adjoining golf club and believed it would gain more benefit if it converted its playing field to enlarge the golf course. The absorption of the football field was finalised in 1989, ending any football activity on the site. The golf course was subsequently sold and redeveloped as housing.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
25. Teachers-South Sydney [est. 1979]
Colours:Gold, Red & Green
Home Ground:Sydney Cricket Ground No.2
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Year in 3rd Division:1979
  • Teachers-South Sydney was a one-year-only “joint venture” between South Sydney and Teachers to compete in Third Division in 1979.
  • For 1980, South Sydney re-entered Third Division on its own. Teachers folded.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
26. Eastern Suburbs(“Beasties”) [est. 1900]
Colours:Red, White & Blue
Home Ground:Woollahra Oval
Years in 1st Division: 1900-1914, 1919-1980, 1982-1983, 1985 to present
Years in 2nd Division:1981, 1984
  • An original “District” club founded in Paddington in March 1900.
  • Relegated twice during promotion and relegation period.
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
27. Eastwood(“Woods”) [est. 1947]
Colours:Blue & White
Home Ground:TG Millner Field, Eastwood
Years in 1st Division: 1947-1980, 1982 to present
Year in 2nd Division:1981
  • Joined the NSWRU “district”competition in 1947.
  • Relegated once, in 1981, to Second Division, returning to First Division in 1982.
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
28. Sydney Nomads[est. 1981]
Colours:Black, Gold, Sky Blue & Maroon
Home Ground:Granville Showground (1981-1984);
Newington Reserve, Silverwater (1985)
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Years in 3rd Division:1981-1985
  • Sydney Nomads was a new club formed from the previous Teachers club and Armidale College of Advanced Education old boys living in Sydney.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
29. Northern Suburbs [est. 1900 as North Sydney]
Colours:Red & Black
Home Ground:North Sydney Oval
Years in 1st Division: (as North Sydney) 1900-1914, 1920-1927, (as Northern Suburbs) 1928-1981,
1990 to present
Years in 2nd Division:1982-1989
  • An original “district” club formed in 1900 as North Sydney, with a name change to Northern Suburbs for season 1928.
  • Relegated to Second Division in 1982.
  • Readmitted to First Division in 1990.
  • In 2014: Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.
30. Sydney New Zealand[est. 1982]
Name changed to South Sydney-New Zealand(from June 1986)
Colours: (as Sydney NZ) Black (1982-1991)
(as South Sydney-NZ) Black with Green & Red (1987-1991)
Home Grounds:Sydney Cricket Ground No.2 (1982);
McKay Oval Centennial Park & Prince Henry Hospital Oval (1983);
Wills Ground, Earlwood (1984);
Erskineville Oval (1985-1991)
Years in 1st Division:nil
Years in 2nd Division: (as Sth Syd NZ) 1987-1991
Years in 3rd Division: (as Sydney NZ) 1982-1986
  • Sydney New Zealand was added to Third Division in 1982 to replace The Forest who chose to return to the Sub-Districts RU.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
31. Wentworthville Returned Servicemen’s League (“Tigers”) [est. 1984]
Colours:Brown & Gold
Home Ground:Jones Park No.2, Parramatta
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division: nil
Years in 3rd Division:1984-1986
  • Previously a junior and Sub-Districts club before joining Third Division in 1984.
  • Wenty RSL was a strong junior club in the Parramatta District Junior Rugby Union (PDJRU).
  • The junior club is known to have played in the PDJRU between 1966-1996 winning the Club Championship in 1970, 1971, and 1977-1982.
  • The senior club was known to be playing Sub-Districts in 1982 and 1983.
  • Played in Third Division in 1984-1986.
  • In 2014: No longer in existence.
32. Hawkesbury Valley (“Hawks”) [est. 1987]
Colours: Light Blue, Green, Brown & Black (1987-1989);
Royal Blue with Gold Hawk (1990- to present)
Home Ground:McQuade Park, Windsor
Years in 1st Division: nil
Years in 2nd Division:1987-1992
  • Hawkesbury Valley were a brand new club formed to join the “SRU Premiership” (i.e. second division) when the First Division clubs left the SRU in 1987.
  • Played in the “SRU Premiership” 1987-1991 and the NSWRU “Sydney Cup” in 1992.
  • The club moved to the Suburban RU when Second Division closed.
  • In 2014: Paying in NSW Suburban RU Division 3.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE.
What is now known as the NSW Suburban Rugby Union or “Subbies” had the following names over the years:
1933 to 1970 - Metropolitan Sub-Districts Rugby Union
1971 to 1986 - Sydney Sub-Districts Rugby Union
1987 to present - NSW Suburban Rugby Union
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
THE END of SECOND DIVISION AND WHAT FOLLOWED

1992 was the last year of a Sydney “Second Division” competition (by then called the “Sydney Cup”). Nine clubs competed in that last year.

With Hornsby failing to defeat Drummoyne at the end of 1992 for a place in First Division, the teams in the 1993 Premiership ("first division") competition remained unchanged, but the NSWRU ended the "Second division" by merging it into the NSW Suburban Rugby Union competition.

For 1993, the "Sydney Cup" teams and the teams from the top division of the NSW Suburban RU played in a "combined competition" of 18 teams. The leading ten clubs at the end of the season then formed the Suburban First Division for 1994.

In 1994, the bottom eight clubs from the “combined competition”, competed with the Suburban Second Division clubs (in a 19 team competition) to sort out who would play in the 1995 Suburban Second and Third Divisions.

The 18 teams in that 1993 NSW Suburban “combined competition” were: Canterbury, Colleagues, Dundas Valley, The Forest, Hawkesbury Valley, Hornsby, Knox Old Boys, Lindfield, Matraville-Chevalier, Mosman, Newport, Old Ignatians, Penrith, St.Leo’s Old Boys, St.Patrick’s Old Boys, University of NSW, University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury (formerly Hawkesbury Agricultural College), and Waverley. Teams in italics were the former 1992 “Sydney Cup” clubs.

University of NSW, Hornsby, and Penrith made the NSW Suburban RU semi-finals in 1993, but the only Suburban team to make the semis (St Patrick’s Old Boys) won the competition beating University of NSW in the 1993 Grand Final.

After the 1993 season, only five clubs from the 1992 “Sydney Cup” survived the cut to stay in the 1994 Suburban First Division: Hornsby, Mosman, Penrith, University of NSW, and University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury.

Canterbury, Dundas Valley, and Hawkesbury Valley were relegated to the extended Suburban RU Second Division for 1994.

The Sydney "Second Division" in its various forms had come to an end. It had lasted for 31 seasons (1962-1992).

***************

In 1995, the NSWRU increased its (one division) Premiership to 14 clubs and included clubs from outside the Sydney region. Three clubs were added – Canberra, Newcastle and Penrith. Canberra (Kookaburras) and Newcastle (Wildfires) were new clubs. Penrith (a former Third/Second Division club) was added from the NSW Suburban Rugby Union.

Drummoyne who had returned to the SRU Premiership for 1991-1994 were dropped by the NSWRU to the Suburban RU in 1995.


Newcastle left the competition after the 1999 season.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
“THE 1987-1988 SPLIT”

A Sydney Rugby Union (SRU) meeting in September 1986 approved a new competition structure for the 1987 season. The format was to have involved 24 clubs.

Initially the 24 clubs would have started the season grouped into 3 divisions of 8 clubs each: “First Division”, “First Division Qualifying” and “Second Division”.

After the first round of 7 games (i.e. after the clubs in each division had played each other once), the top 4 clubs in “First Division Qualifying” would join the 8 clubs in “First Division” to contest the First Division Premiership while the bottom 4 clubs in “First Division Qualifying” would join the “Second Division” (i.e. 2 divisions of 12 clubs each).

The SRU considered this to be a format that would stop the decline in the number of lower division clubs, particularly in western Sydney, and give lower division clubs a fairer chance of promotion.

The SRU was concerned that it had “lost” 5 clubs from the competition in 1986:-
  • Sydney Nomads and Kellyville Postal Institute had joined the Sydney Suburban Rugby Union before the start of the season;
  • Blacktown had dropped out mid-season and joined the Suburban Union;
  • Macquarie University had indicated it too would play in the Suburban RU after the 1986 season; and
  • Campbelltown Harlequins had requested a “dispensation” to play in the Illawarra Competition in 1987.

Ultimately Wentworthville RSL and Smithfield dropped out before the 1987 season started.

The 8-8-8 structure, if it had come about in 1987, would have been:
First Division
Eastwood
Gordon
Manly
Parramatta
Randwick
Sydney University
Warringah
Western Suburbs

First Division Qualifying
Drummoyne
Eastern Suburbs
Hornsby
Mosman
Northern Suburbs
Port Hacking
St.George
University of NSW

Second Division
Canterbury-Bankstown
Dundas Valley
Hawkesbury Agric. College
Liverpool
Penrith
Smithfield
South Sydney New Zealand
Wentworthville RSL

The 10 clubs that constituted the 1986 First Division opposed the proposal for the 24 club competition and the 8-8-8 split and then 12-12 split. They decided on 24 December 1986 to breakaway from the SRU and sought direct affiliation with the New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU). This was granted by the NSWRU.

The First Division clubs were also successful in taking over the SRU Executive at the SRU Annual Meeting, in January 1987, as they were still affiliated with the SRU.

The NSWRU through their Executive Director, Ken Elphick, invited the remaining Second and Third Division clubs to similarly affiliate with the NSWRU. A possibility was held out to them that a Second Division club would be added to the NSWRU competition in 1988 and eventually a system of promotion and relegation would be introduced where the bottom club in First Division would play the Second Division club champions in all grades and colts for the right of promotion (based on club champions points).

The lower division clubs on 13 January 1987 rejected the NSWRU’s offer to affiliate directly and announced their intention to continue playing in a SRU run competition in 1987.

They also called for clubs that were affiliated with both the SRU and NSWRU to resign from either one or the other of the Unions, and for delegates from non-SRU clubs to resign from the SRU Executive. This eventually happened and a new SRU Executive was elected in February 1987.

A single division competition of 13 clubs (the “SRU Premiership”) was eventually conducted by the SRU, with the NSWRU conducting a 10 club competition (the “NSW Championship”).

The “NSW Championship” clubs rejoined the SRU for season 1989.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Of some interest

Ken Elphick, the Executive Director of the NSWRU during the time of the “split”, was a former Olympic hurdler.

In 1997, he was found guilty of fraud relating to the redevelopment of Concord Oval. He had used secret commissions and false invoices to steal $601,000 between February 1984 and July 1987 from two related companies - Rugby Ground Administration Pty Ltd and Homan Pty Ltd. Elphick was found to have "systematically defraud(ed)" the NSWRU. Ross Turnbull was Chairman of the NSWRU at the time.

Elphick was sentenced to five years jail, with a minimum non-parole period of 2 ½ years. He served the minimum period.

On his release in 1999, he became involved in the travel business selling tours to major international sporting events. His company went into receivership and customers lost money. In 2001, he pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to charges of operating as a travel agent without a licence and to providing false and misleading statements about insurance cover. He was ordered to repay customers $140,000, in addition to $22,000 in fines.

His next (and current - as at 2014) venture was/is property investment - buying, rezoning and reselling sites.

[Source: Article in The Sunday Telegraph, 18 January 2014]
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Where are they now? Former Sydney Second and Third Division Clubs in 2014

1. Hawkesbury Agricultural College. Playing as UWS Hawkesbury in NSW Suburban RU Division 3.

2. Hornsby.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 3. Moving to Central Coast RU in 2015.

3. Mosman.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 1.

4. Port Hacking. No longer in existence. Amalgamated with St George in 1989. Playing as Southern Districts in SRU Premier Rugby.

5. Sydney Teachers College. No longer in existence.

6. Western Suburbs.Playing as West Harbour (1995) in SRU Premier Rugby.

7. University of NSW.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 2.

8. Warringah.Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.

9. Canterbury.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 4.

10. Penrith.Playing in SRU Premier Rugby (since 1995).

11. South Sydney.No longer in existence.

12. Teachers.No longer in existence.


13. Bankstown.No longer in existence.

14. Dundas Valley.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 6.

15. Macquarie University. Playing as MacWarriors in NSW Suburban RU Division 4.

16. Smithfield.No longer in existence.

17. Liverpool.No longer in existence.

18. Campbelltown Harlequins.Played in NSW Suburban RU Division 1 in 2014. Moving to Illawarra RU in 2015.

19. Drummoyne.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 1.

20. St.George.No longer in existence. Amalgamated with Port Hacking in 1989. Playing as Southern Districts in SRU Premier Rugby. A new St George club entered Subbies in 2003. In 2014 they were playing in the NSW Suburban RU Division 6.


21. Sydney University. Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.

22. Blacktown.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 4.

23. The Forest.Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 2.

24. Kellyville Postal Institute.No longer in existence.

25. Teachers-South Sydney.No longer in existence.

26. Eastern Suburbs.Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.

27. Eastwood.Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.

28. Sydney Nomads.No longer in existence.

29. Northern Suburbs. Playing in SRU Premier Rugby.

30. South Sydney-New Zealand. No longer in existence.

31. Wentworthville RSL. No longer in existence.


32. Hawkesbury Valley. Playing in NSW Suburban RU Division 3.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
CLUBS THAT COMPETED IN SYDNEY RUGBY UNION THIRD DIVISION 1979-1986

Blacktown-Seven Hills, 1979-1982 (Blacktown from 1983)
Dundas Valley, 1979-1981, 1983-1986
The Forest, 1979-1981
Hawkesbury Agricultural College, 1979-1980, 1982,1986
Kellyville Postal Institute, 1979-1985
Mosman, 1979
Teachers-South Sydney, 1979 (Teachers & South Sydney amalgamated for 1979 only. South Sydney returned in 1980)
Liverpool, 1979-1982
South Sydney, 1980
Macquarie University, 1980-1986
Penrith, 1981-1983
Sydney Nomads, 1981-1985(formedfrom Teachers club and Armidale CAE old boys in Sydney)
Sydney New Zealand, 1982-1986(name changed mid-year in 1986 to South Sydney New Zealand)
Blacktown, 1983-1986(formerly Blacktown-Seven Hills)
Campbelltown Harlequins, 1984-1985
Wentworthville RSL, 1984-1986
Canterbury-Bankstown, 1986
Smithfield, 1986


SYDNEY RUGBY UNION THIRD DIVISION CLUBS 1979-1986

1979: Blacktown-Seven Hills, Dundas Valley, The Forest, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal Institute, Liverpool, Mosman, Teachers-South Sydney

1980: Blacktown-Seven Hills, Dundas Valley, The Forest, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal Institute, Liverpool, Macquarie University, South Sydney
(1980 Mosman promoted to Second Division; Macquarie University relegated from Second Division; South Sydney returned as a separate club having for one year been combined with Teachers.)

1981: Blacktown-Seven Hills, Dundas Valley, The Forest, Kellyville Postal Institute, Liverpool, Macquarie University, Penrith, Sydney Nomads
(1981 Hawkesbury Agricultural College promoted to Second Division; Nepean relegated from Second Division and changed its name to Penrith; Sydney Nomads was a new club formed from the previous Teachers club and Armidale College of Advanced Education old boys living in Sydney.)

1982: Blacktown-Seven Hills, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal Institute, Liverpool, Macquarie University, Penrith, Sydney New Zealand, Sydney Nomads
(1982 Dundas Valley promoted to Second Division; Hawkesbury Agricultural College relegated from Second Division; Sydney New Zealand a new club added to Third Division to replace The Forest who returned to the Sydney Sub-Districts RU.)

1983: Blacktown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal Institute, Macquarie University, Penrith, Sydney New Zealand, Sydney Nomads
(1983 Liverpool promoted to Second Division; Dundas Valley relegated from Second Division; Blacktown-Seven Hills changed its name to Blacktown.)

1984: Blacktown, Campbelltown Harlequins, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal Institute, Macquarie University, Sydney New Zealand, Sydney Nomads, Wentworthville RSL
(1984 Penrith promoted to Second Division; Campbelltown Harlequins relegated from Second Division; Wentworthville RSL added to Third Division from Sydney Sub-Districts.)

1985: Blacktown, Campbelltown Harlequins, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Kellyville Postal institute, Macquarie University, Sydney New Zealand, Sydney Nomads, Wentworthville RSL
(1985 Third Division was unchanged from 1984. Dundas Valley who had won promotion to Second Division requested to stay in Third Division due to a "split" in the club. Liverpool who were to be relegated from Second Division therefore remained in Second Division.)

1986: Blacktown ( Blacktown withdrew after playing four rounds as the club could field only two teams.), Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Macquarie University, Smithfield, Sydney New Zealand (changed name to South Sydney-New Zealand in mid-season), Wentworthville RSL
(1986 Canterbury-Bankstown relegated from Second Division; Smithfield dropped from Second Division for not being able to field the required number of teams; Kellyville Postal Institute and Sydney Nomads withdrew and moved to the Sydney Sub-District Rugby Union.)


In 1987, the ten clubs that made up the 1986 SRU First Division affiliated directly with the NSWRU leaving the SRU. The dispute was over promotion and relegation and a proposed restructure of the competition. The SRU continued combining (some of) the remaining Second and Third Division clubs into one competition - the "SRU Premiership".

Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and South Sydney-New Zealand were the four Third Division clubs remaining in this competition.


Of the other 1986 Third Division clubs, Macquarie University and Wentworthville RSL moved into the NSW Suburban Rugby Union (the Sydney Sub-District Rugby Union had changed its name). Smithfield withdrew prior to the 1987 season. Blacktown had withdrawn mid-1986.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
TROPHIES 1890 - 1899

In 1890 and 1891, the premiers received the “Agricultural Society's Trophy” (Cup/Shield).

However, between 1892 and 1898, there were "three-competitions-in-one":-
  • The Premiership;
  • The (Royal) Agricultural Society's Shield; and
  • The Association (Cricket Ground) Cup.
All three were inter-connected. Results from the Shield and Cup series counted towards premiership points. The "premiers" were the club on top of the table at the end of the season (not necessarily the winner of one of the finals, but usually that was the case).

In 1899, although the finals for the trophies were held, they no longer counted towards the premiership.

In 1900, with the introduction of the "district scheme", the trophies (and finals) were gone. The Rugby Union felt it was better to decide the premiership by clubs playing each other twice with no final.

It is interesting to note that the importance of the two trophies changed. Originally it was the Agricultural Trophy that was the main prize, given to the premiers, but from 1892 the Association (Cricket Ground) Trophy became the award for the play-off between the "top four" clubs. The Agricultural Trophy was then (sometimes but not always) played for by the two best clubs, outside the top four (i.e. teams 5 and 6 on the table), and the two winners (or sometimes the losers) of the Association Trophy semi-finals.

The Agricultural Society of NSW was formed in 1822. It became the Royal Agricultural Society in 1891.

An explanation of how the "Agricultural Society's Trophies" worked (at least in 1898):
The Referee, Wednesday, 6 July 1898.
"In the Senior competition a first round shall be played, and the four teams having the best record shall then be matched by drawing the two teams having the best record against the other two and the winners play for the Sydney Cricket Ground Trophies. The remaining clubs .... shall be matched by ballot, and the winners shall be drawn against the losers of the semi-final of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trophies to qualify for the semi-final of the Agricultural Society's Trophies. .... A bye counts as a win."

The following lists of result of the finals played for the RAS and SCG trophies.



TROPHIES 1890 - 1899

"The Agricultural Society's trophies" Finals
Year, Winners, Runner-up, Score, Premiers for that year
1890 - University, Strathfield, 31-6, University
1891 - University, Zealandia, 28-8, University
1892 - Wallaroo, University, 3-0, Wallaroo
1893 - University, Randwick, 3-0, University
1894 - Randwick, Wallaroo, 8-0, Randwick
1895 - Randwick, Wallaroo, 13-8, Randwick
1896 - Wentworth, Wallaroo, 9-0, Randwick
1897 - Pirates*, Randwick, 6-17, Randwick
1898 - Pirates, Sydney, 9-3, Pirates
1899 - Pirates, Wallaroo, 10-0, Wallaroo

* In 1897, Randwick won the final, but the match was awarded to Pirates after a successful protest over an ineligible player used by Randwick.


"Association (Sydney Cricket Ground) trophies" Finals
Winners, Runners-up, Score, Premiers for that year
1892 - Randwick, University A, 6-3, Wallaroo
1893 - University, Randwick, 3-0, University
1894 - Randwick, Wallaroo, 4-3, Randwick
1895 - University, Pirates, 8-3, Randwick
1896 - Randwick, Wallaroo, 6-5, Randwick
1897 - Randwick, Pirates, 6-3, Randwick
1898 - Randwick, University, 15-3, Pirates
1899 - Wallaroo, Sydney, 16-8, Wallaroo

Comparison of who won what
RAS Trophy,SCG Cup,Premiers
1890 - University, - , University
1891 - University, - , University
1892 - Wallaroo, Randwick, Wallaroo
1893 - University, University, University
1894 - Randwick, Randwick, Randwick
1895 - Randwick, University, Randwick
1896 - Wentworth, Randwick, Randwick
1897 - Pirates, Randwick, Randwick
1898 - Pirates, Randwick, Pirates
1899 - Pirates, Wallaroo, Wallaroo


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAS Shield & SCG Cup – The Formats – 1892 to 1899

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1892

The SCG Cup:
Involved the top 4 teams on the premiership ladder; in two semi-finals and a final.

The RAS Shield:
(1) There was a qualifying round involving the four teams ranked 5 to 8 on the premiership table (team 6 playing team 7; and team 5 playing team 8).
(2) The winners of the games in the qualifying round played the two finalists (winning semi-finalists) from the SCG Cup in the semi-finals of the RAS Shield.
(3) Final between the winners of the RAS semi-finals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1893-1894-1895

The SCG Cup:
The top 4 teams played semi-finals and a final.

The RAS Shield:
(1) Qualifying round with teams 5 and 6 on the premiership table playing against the losing semi-finalists in the SCG Cup.
(2) Winners in the qualifying round played the finalists in the SCG Cup in the RAS semi-finals.
(3) Final between the winners of RAS semi-finals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1896

The SCG Cup & RAS Shield:
The same top 4 teams played semi-finals and finals in both competitions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1897

The SCG Cup:
Only the top 3 clubs were involved.
(1) Team 2 played team 3.
(2) The winner of 2 v 3 played team 1 in the final.

The RAS Shield:
(1) Team 4 on the premiership table played the loser of the SCG Cup game between teams 2 v 3.
(2) RAS semi-finals were between: the winner of (1), team 5, and the finalists of the SCG Cup.
(3) Final between winners of the RAS semi-finals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAS Shield & SCG Cup – The Formats – 1892 to 1899 (ctd.,)

1898

The SCG Cup:
The top 4 teams played semi-finals and final.

The RAS Shield:
(1) Qualifying round played between team 5 and the two losers of the SCG Cup semi-finals Only one game was played with the non-playing team getting a “bye” (win).
(2) “Winners” of the qualifying round played the finalist of the SCG Cup in the RAS semi-finals.
(3) Final between winners of the RAS semi-finals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1899(last year of RAS & SCG trophies)

The SCG Cup:
The top 4 teams played semi-finals and a final.

The RAS Shield:
(1) Qualifying round between teams ranked 5 to 8 (team 5 v team 6; team 7 v team 8).
(2) Winner of 5 v 6 played highest ranked loser of SCG Cup semi-finals. Winner of 7 v 8 played lowest ranked loser of SCG Cup semi-finals.
(3) Winners of matches in (2) played in the RAS semi-finals against the finalists of the SCG Cup.
(4) Final between winners of the RAS semi-finals.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
CLUBS THAT COMPETED IN SYDNEY "SECOND DIVISION" 1962-1992
Hawkesbury Agricultural College, 1962-1978, 1981, 1987-1992
Hornsby, 1962-1975, 1979-1980, 1982-1983, 1987-1992
Mosman, 1962-1978, 1980-1992
Port Hacking, 1962-1970, 1979-1982, 1986-1988
Sydney Teachers College, 1962-1966 (as Teachers from 1967)
Western Suburbs, 1962-1965, 1980
University of NSW, 1963-1965, 1980-1992
Warringah, 1964-1970
Canterbury, 1966-1975 (name changed to Canterbury-Bankstown from 1976)
Nepean, 1966-1980 (name changed to Penrith from 1981 when in 3rd Div)
South Sydney, 1967-1978
Teachers, 1967-1978
Bankstown, 1968-1975 (replaced by Liverpool from 1976)
Dundas Valley, 1971-1978, 1982, 1987-1992
Macquarie University, 1971-1975, 1979
Smithfield, 1975-1985
Canterbury-Bankstown, 1976-1985, 1987-1992 (previously Canterbury)
Liverpool, 1976-1978, 1983-1992
Campbelltown Harlequins, 1977-1983, 1986
Drummoyne, 1979-1990
St George, 19791985
Sydney University, 19791983
Eastern Suburbs, 1981, 1984
Eastwood, 1981
Northern Suburbs, 1982-1992
Penrith, 1984-1992 (previously Nepean)
Hawkesbury Valley, 1987-1992
South Sydney-New Zealand, 1987-1991

NSWRU Second Division
1962: Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Port Hacking, Sydney Teachers College, Western Suburbs

1963: Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Port Hacking, Sydney Teachers College, University of NSW, Western Suburbs
(1963 UNSW added)

1964: Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Port Hacking, Sydney Teachers College, University of NSW, Warringah, Western Suburbs,
(1964 Warringah added)

Sydney Rugby Union Second Division (SRU formed for 1966 season)

1966: Canterbury, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Nepean, Port Hacking, Sydney Teachers College, Warringah
(1966 UNSW and Western Suburbs promoted to First Division; Canterbury and Nepean added)

1967: Canterbury, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Nepean, Port Hacking, South Sydney, Teachers, Warringah
(1967 South Sydney added; Sydney Teachers College replaced by Teachers)

1968-1970: Bankstown, Canterbury, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby, Mosman, Nepean, Port Hacking, South Sydney, Teachers, Warringah
(1968 Bankstown added)

1971-1974: Bankstown, Canterbury, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College,
Hornsby, Macquarie University, Mosman, Nepean, South Sydney, Teachers
(1971 Port Hacking and Warringah promoted to First Division; Dundas Valley and Macquarie University added)

1975: Bankstown, Canterbury, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hornsby
Macquarie University, Mosman, Nepean, Smithfield, South Sydney, Teachers
(1975 Smithfield added)

1976: Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Liverpool, Mosman, Nepean, Smithfield, South Sydney, Teachers
(1976 Bankstown moved to and became Liverpool; Canterbury changed its name to Canterbury-Bankstown)

1977-1978: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Liverpool, Mosman, Nepean, Smithfield, South Sydney, Teachers
(1977 Campbelltown Harlequins added)

The Sydney Rugby Union established a Third Division for 1979 and introduced promotion and relegation between the three Divisions.
1979: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Hornsby, Macquarie University, Nepean, Port Hacking, St George, Smithfield, Sydney University
(1979 Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Liverpool, Mosman, South Sydney and Teachers were relegated to the 1979 Third Division. Teachers and South Sydney amalgamated as Teachers-South Sydney for Third Division.
Drummoyne, Hornsby, Macquarie University, Port Hacking, St George and Sydney University were relegated from "First Division B" to form the 1979 Second Division with Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury-Bankstown, Nepean and Smithfield.)

1980: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Hornsby, Mosman,
Nepean, Port Hacking, Smithfield, University of NSW, Western Suburbs
(1980 St George and Sydney University promoted to First Division; UNSW and Western suburbs relegated from First Division; Macquarie University relegated to Third Division; Mosman promoted from Third Division)

1981: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury Bankstown, Drummoyne, Eastern Suburbs,
Eastwood, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Mosman, Port Hacking, Smithfield, University of NSW
(1981 Hornsby and Western Suburbs promoted to First Division; Eastern Suburbs and Eastwood relegated from First Division; Hawkesbury Agricultural College promoted from Third Division; Nepean relegated to Third Division and changed name to Penrith.)

1982: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury Bankstown, Drummoyne, Dundas Valley, Hornsby, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Port Hacking, Smithfield, University of NSW
(1982 Eastern Suburbs and Eastwood promoted to First Division; Hornsby and Northern Suburbs relegated from First Division; Dundas Valley promoted from Third Division; Hawkesbury Agricultural College relegated to Third Division.)

1983: Campbelltown Harlequins, Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Smithfield, Sydney University, University of NSW
(1983 Port Hacking promoted to First Division; Sydney University relegated from First Division; Liverpool promoted from Third Division; Dundas Valley relegated to Third Division.)

1984: Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Eastern Suburbs, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Penrith, Smithfield, University of NSW
(1984 Sydney University promoted to First Division; Eastern Suburbs relegated from First Division; Penrith promoted from Third Division; Campbelltown Harlequins relegated to Third Division.)

1985: Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Penrith, St George, Smithfield, University of NSW
(1985 Eastern Suburbs promoted to First Division; St George relegated from First Division; Dundas Valley declined promotion from Third Division due to a split in the club which allowed Liverpool not to be demoted to Third Division.)

1986: Campbelltown Harlequins, Drummoyne, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Penrith, Port Hacking, University of NSW
(1986 St George promoted to First Division; Port Hacking relegated from First Division; Campbelltown Harlequins promoted from Third Division; Canterbury-Bankstown relegated to Third Division; Smithfield dropped to Third Division for not fielding the required number of teams.)

In 1987, the ten clubs that made up the 1986 SRU First Division affiliated directly with the NSWRU leaving the SRU. The dispute was over promotion and relegation and a proposed restructure of the competition. The SRU continued as the “SRU Premiership” competition with some of the remaining Second and Third Division clubs. The First Division clubs that left the SRU were: Eastern Suburbs, Eastwood, Gordon, Manly, Parramatta, Randwick, St George, Sydney University, Warringah and Western Suburbs.

Sydney Rugby Union Premiership

1987-1988: Canterbury-Bankstown (from 1986 3rd Div), Drummoyne, Dundas Valley (from1986 3rd Div), Hawkesbury Agricultural College (from 1986 3rd Div), Hawkesbury Valley (new club), Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Penrith, Port Hacking, South Sydney New Zealand (from 1986 3rd Div), University of NSW
(1987 Campbelltown Harlequins moved to the Illawarra Rugby Union;
Macquarie University and Wentwothville RSL (3rd Div clubs) moved to the NSW Suburban Rugby Union;
Smithfield withdrew before the season commenced; Hawkesbury Valley was a brand new cub added to the competition.)

For 1989, the ten clubs that had left the SRU in 1987 & 1988 re-affiliated with the SRU and displaced the clubs in "SRU Premiership". These (second division) clubs competed in a "SRU Metropolitan" competition.

Sydney Rugby Union Metropolitan

1989: Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hawkesbury Valley, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Northern Suburbs, Penrith,
South Sydney New Zealand, University of NSW
( 1989 Port Hacking amalgamated with St George as Southern Districts to play in the 1989 "SRU Premiership")

1990: Canterbury-Bankstown, Drummoyne, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hawkesbury Valley, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Penrith, South Sydney New Zealand, University of NSW
(1990 Northern Suburbs was added to the "SRU Premiership")

1991: Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hawkesbury Valley, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Penrith, South Sydney New Zealand
University of NSW
(1991 Drummoyne was added to the "SRU Premiership")

In 1992 the NSW Rugby Union re-took the running of the Sydney club competitions. The "SRU Metropolitan" competition was rebranded the NSWRU "Sydney Cup".

NSWRU Sydney Cup
1992: (last year of a "Second Division")Canterbury-Bankstown, Dundas Valley, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hawkesbury Valley, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mosman, Penrith, University of NSW

(1992 South Sydney-New Zealand moved to the NSW Suburban RU.)


Prior to the 1992 season, Hornsby took the Sydney Rugby Union to court to attempt to gain promotion to the "SRU Premiership". Hornsby had won the "SRU Metropolitan" Club Championship in 1991. Drummoyne, who had finished last in the 1991 Premiership, argued that there was no automatic promotion and relegation when they were promoted in 1991. The SRU agreed. A court appointed arbiter ruled that since the NSWRU had taken over and the SRU no longer controlled the competition, Hornsby's summons lacked "practical utility". Hornsby was not promoted. Aren't lawyers wonderful.
At the end of the 1992 season, the NSWRU agreed that there could be a "right of challenge" between the club coming last in the Club Champion of the "Premiership" and the Club Champions of the "Sydney Cup" - involving all grades and colts. Hornsby had again won the Club Championship and challenged Drummoyne who had again come last. The challenge was held and Hornsby lost convincingly. Losing five of the six games played.

With Hornsby failing to defeat Drummoyne at the end of 1992, the teams in the 1993 Premiership ("first division") competition remained unchanged, but the NSWRU "reorganised" the "second division" by merging it into the NSW Suburban Rugby Union competition. The "Sydney Cup" teams and the top division Suburban teams played in a "combined competition" of 18 teams for one year and then in the following year dividing into the various Suburban Rugby Union divisions.

The Sydney "Second Division" in its various forms had come to an end.


As a final note. Ironically, the NSWRU relegated Drummoyne to the NSW Suburban Rugby Union in 1995. The "Dirty Reds" are still there.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
“AUSTRALIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP”
(Sydney versus Queensland Premiers)

1908 - Glebe def Brothers, 9-0
1909 - Newtown def Valley, 16-10, Exhibition Ground

1974 - Brothers def Randwick, 19-7, Ballymore

1982 - Randwick def Brothers, 22-13, Ballymore
1983 - Randwick def Brothers, 32-29, Coogee Oval
1984 - Brothers def Manly, 24-15, Crosby Park
1985 - Brothers def Randwick, 10-6, Coogee Oval
1986 - Western Districts def Parramatta, 22-12, Ballymore
1987 - Southern Districts (Q) def Parramatta, 13-10, TG Millner Field
1988 - Randwick def tBrothers, 27-9, Crosby Park
1989 - Randwick def University of Qld, 30-15, Coogee Oval
1990 - University of Qld def Randwick, 29-22, Ballymore
1991 - Randwick def Southern Districts, 35-12, Concord Oval

1997 - Randwick def GPS Old Boys, 18-6, Coffs Harbour

2007 - Sydney University def West Brisbane, 36-5, Lang Park
2008 - Sydney University def Sunnybank, 24-0, Lang Park
2009 - Easts Rugby (Q) def Sydney University, 38-31, Syd Olympic Park
2010 - Brothers def Sydney University, 36-26, Crosby Park
2011 - University of Qld def Sydney University, 42-26, Ballymore
2012 - not contested – (Eastwood v Sunnybank)
2013 - Sydney University def University of Qld, 43-7, Syd Football Stadium
2014 - Sydney University def Easts Rugby (Q), 19-14, Bottomley Park
2015 - Eastwood def University of Qld, 21-20, TG Millner Field
2016 (Eastwood v Souths)Eastwood def Souths 34-17, Chipsy Wood Oval

Edit: OP adjusted as per @Red Son's post below.
 
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