June 2, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
VALE Stuart “Squiggle” Hunter
“Young Old Colleague gone too soon”
Stuart played in the Sutherland cup in the days there little or no Halligan Cup. (Late 80’s and early 90’s). He was used mostly as a reserve and would have been the first to admit he was not the greatest rugby player to lace on a Blue Giant boot. At one point he asked senior player Tim Cullen how he could improve his game to which Tim replied “try managing” (hard but fair)
As it turned out he turned his skills turned to organising the team jerseys and managing the team. His admin skills were very much appreciated and he became a fixture behind the scenes. His many years at the Colleagues involved regularly managing and being on committee.
Stu rarely missed a long lunch and Old Colleagues Day. He was on the side line or on the balcony for most games. He had a deep love of rugby and a deeper love of the Colleagues.
As was his selfless and humble nature he was an organ donor. News I received since his passing, his two kidneys were transplanted successfully. He was not only a very good man but a giver of life.
All Colleagues thoughts are with his partner Jo and two boys Thomas and Oliver at this time.
Service details to come.
MONTHLY OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS MAY 2025
Season so far……
Hunters Hill away. A very rusty start for the Blue Giants with possibly playing after ANZAC day being given as a below standard performance across the grades. Highlights were the new Hunter’s clubhouse, the rissole sandwiches and a number of Old Colleagues at the game to watch their sons play!
Blue Mountains at home saw a great turnout of Old Colleagues watching the club go toe to toe with the competition heavyweights.Old Colleagues from the 60’s to current vintage were treated to some fine rugby.Unfortunately losses to the Burke and Kentwell Cups in the final minutes was hugely disappointing. It didn’t deter a few Old Colleagues however from joining in on the boat race after speeches providing plenty of humour for the crowd.
A positive note on the day was the much improved performance of the Kentwell Cup, a confidence boost for the games ahead.
After the Waverley game was washed out on 3rd May the local derby was played on the wet weather bye weekend on the all weather surface across the creek on Woollahra no1 home of the East’s Beasts.Waverley last years club champions again proved hard to beat in every grade.
However the Blue Giant Kentwell Cup were up to the task and in the closest of games and including several nail biting 80th minute moments squeezed home winners 26-24. (The win dedicated to Old Colleague the late Stuart (Squiggle) Hunter).
With the Lindfield game washed out the next game is V’s the dirty Reds May 31st at Drummoyne Oval!
See you there
“Go The Colleagues”
Boothie
Colleagues’ Culture: We must be doing something right …
As a member of the NSW Suburban Rugby Union, which is one of the most noteworthy rugby organizations in the Southern Hemisphere, the Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club holds a prestigious and formidable place.
The Colleagues have a long association with the Suburban Rugby Union and have competed in the Suburban competition since 1933. While many clubs have come and gone in these ninety-plus years, since their debut in 1933, Colleagues is the only Suburban club to have never been relegated down the divisions. This in itself is indicative of a strong organization with a great culture and quality administration standing the test of time. During their long and colourful history the Colleagues have always been successful both on and off the field.
As we approach our Centenary, celebrating one hundred years of existence as a Suburban rugby club, it is timely to reflect on the reasons for the longevity of this proud legacy.
Strong administrators with visionary skills have been the cornerstone of Colleagues’ durability. These skills were imperative early in our existence. The resilience of the administrators was severely tested with the outbreak of World War Two and, more recently, the onset of Covid. Both events signaled the suspension of subbies rugby. After these disruptions the need to regroup as a club was both challenging and strategic.
As early as 1939, Suburban HQ noted in their book (‘The Game For The Game Itself.’) that ‘Behind Colleagues platform of success at this time was, undoubtedly, the ability to attract and retain very good administrators.’ This is as valid in 2025 as it was in 1939. The democratic process is a vital component of the culture as the players elect the administrators.
The 2024 Annual Report is a testament to the club’s professionalism, organization, and initiative. The administration appoints coaches who not only provide technical expertise, but foster harmony and spirit within their respective teams and the club.
The esprit de corps is further enhanced by the legendary social side of club life. The Long Lunch, Ladies Days, pre-season trial matches to country venues (and the bus trip!) all engender the spirit of camaraderie.
The inclusivity of the Colleagues has also meant that the wide cross section of the members is derived from diverse nationalities, occupations, cultural backgrounds and religions. This complex and varied mixture is where Colleagues actually derives its strength, having so many people involved for the love and passion of the game.
The visionary inclusion of ‘The Convicts’ and, more recently, the Ladies Team, is further increasing inclusivity, tolerance, and respect.
The competitive spirit and a healthy rivalry with our opponents are engendered within the club. During the 1960s, this was taken to extremes at training. One of our opposition clubs dressed a straw dummy model in full Colleagues regalia and all 15 players were required to manhandle and tackle it. Personally, I am glad to see we now have our own club mascot who provides a festive atmosphere for both teams as they run onto the field.
Another ingredient of success is a natural endowment. The club is located in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs. It is conveniently accessible by car (good luck finding a parking spot!), centrally located and accessible to public transport, including the fantastic ferry trip … a blessing indeed. The standalone dedicated clubhouse promotes a sense of belonging and permanence, with the displays of pennants, cups, honor boards and photographs of past teams.
There will always be a role for clubs such as Colleagues since not all participants playing rugby desire to compete at a more elite level. Many, through the pressure of study, work and family, elect to play in the Suburban Competition. This is where Colleagues derives its strength, having so many people involved for the love of the game. The camaraderie and culture of the great club is infectious and transfers to quality on and off the field.
Vance Lowry (author of Sky Blue Winters.)
April 23, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Old Colleague News April 2025
Welcome to the monthly edition of Old Colleagues News, a combined effort from Boothie and Vance Lowry (Author of Club history “Sky Blue Winters”)
These monthly emails will be both an update of the Clubs progress through the season (Old Boys perspective) and a historical piece of interest.
During the off season the Clubs Annual General Meeting was held with the club returning a profit and the balance sheet reveals a solid financial position. (From what iv’e seen and what I’ve been told) The clubs Executive personnel remain young quality Colleagues as you would expect.
Preseason has been positive with good numbers. The club toured to Orange to play the Emus and they were left to pick up the pieces after a Blue Giant wash. The club also played several trials against top opposition and are ready to roll this Sat 26th against last years Grand Finalists Hunters Hill at Boronia.
Should be an interesting day against old foe Hunters Hill christening their new club house positioned between the no1 and no2 fields.( I’m told an excellent view from the balcony). During the prolonged discussion with council a lady councillor was heard to say “All they want to do is watch football and drink beer” (Sounds reasonable enough to me). The Colleagues should expect a fired up ‘Hillies’ Kentwell on what will be a big afternoon for them.
Looking ahead SAVE THE DATE …..OLD COLLEAGUES DAY 10TH MAY
The Old Colleagues now have a whats app group. Tech savvy Older Colleagues can text me to join and keep up with weekly results and news.
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
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Womens Rugby
Woollahra Colleagues have always viewed inclusiveness as a key component in their mission statement. A more recent milestone in this philosophy is the introduction of a women’s rugby team into the club in 2025.
They will field a 10 aside team. The laws of 10s stipulate that the game is played in two twenty minute halves with each team consisting of 5 forwards and 5 backs.
The women had their first hit out exhibition match on the 17th of August 2024 where they faced an experienced Old Barker/Hunters Hill combination. Colleagues looked to be much smaller team. However, looks can be deceiving. The Colleagues snatched a memorable victory when they scored right on the full time bell, to gain a real confidence booster. Key ingredients of their success lay in their overall mode of play. Speed, continuity of phase play, and their general mobility augurs well for a promising future.
It is gratifying to see OnDeck come on board as the sponsor of this team.
This year the ladies will compete for the Joy Johnson Cup. The cup commenced in 2023 as a weekly 7’s competition with six teams. In 2024 the format was changed to a 10s competition with 9 clubs competing. Hornsby won the cup.
In 2023, subbies named their first women’s competition the “Joy Johnson Cup” in recognition of her splendid service to grassroots rugby. Joy Johnson was elected Secretary of the 700 member St Ives Club in 1989. Joy was one of the first female Club Secretaries and held the position for over 20 years at St Ives. Joy was a much loved and respected Life Member and Patron of the club. Joy also won the subbies Peter Kelly Medal for Service to Rugby in 2008. Sadly, Joy passed away in November 2024.
In 2025, the Colleagues women’s rugby team adds another patch to our Club’s already diverse and rich tapestry of history.
Vance Lowry (author of ‘Sky Blue Winters’)
March 30, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
OLD COLLEAGUE UPDATE March 2025
“Roll Call”
The off season has not treated the Old Colleagues kindly with several good men lost to rugby heaven.
VALE Ken Turner
In December we lost Ken Turner back rower for the Colleagues Kentwell Cup part of the wining 59,62 & 63 teams. Ken was a part of that hugely successful 1960’S era, the Colleagues wining a series of Kentwell Cups and Club Championships. Ken played well about his weight, known for his hard tackling and his fitness enabling a high work rate around the field. Ken was a real gentleman off the field and a business man held in high regard in Real Estate in the Eastern Suburbs. A 100 game player at the club respected by all who knew him.
VALE David Saywell
In February, Dave Saywell passed away. Dave was also a member of those successful 1960’s winning teams.Captaining the 1966 Kentwell to victory over Lane Cove 12-11. A tough rangy outside centre Dave was always dangerous with ball in hand. Playing outside John Noice (Noicey) they proved to be a powerful combination. Dave a popular character amongst his
peers was a regular attendee at the early long lunches and even more recently at Old Colleagues days.
VALE Andrew Williams
Sadly I have to also pass on the news of the passing only just last week of Andrew “Nipper” Williams. “Nipper” passed away with his family around him after a long battle with cancer. “Nipper” enjoyed being a Colleague and then Old Colleague like nobody else. A great club man and a top bloke “Nipper” was always a starter at recent Old Colleague days telling stories about his playing days at the club, the touring and associated funny anecdotes, and always inquiring how the club was going. A fearless fullback who could nip between opposition defences “Nipper” played 200 games for the club winning several premierships, nun better than the 1983 Burke cup premiership under coach John Noice (great days). “Nippers” life after Colleagues saw him principle of A R Williams accountants Dubbo. A true rugby man Nipper was also a coach, committee man, a life member and dedicated supporter of the Dubbo Rhinos.
Our thoughts go out to his family at this time, he will be sorely missed.
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In other news look out for a regular monthly Old Colleagues email update, trial games are under way and the season kicks off against Hunters at Boronia on the 26th April.
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
September 29, 2024 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Vale Richard “Dick” Gibb
Passed away on the 9th September.
One of our oldest Old Colleagues and one of the clubs most decorated.
A product of the 1956 year at Kings school Dick was one of the clubs
great hookers.
He was part of the 1959 undefeated Kentwell Cup side.
Dick also played in the combined Metropolitan Subdistrict vs Sydney Colts
in that same year.
Again Dick was part of the Kentwell premierships of 1960, in
1962 as vice captain and again winning in 1963 team as captain.
“A tireless worker around the paddock” said captain
Billy Sheehan in the 1959 annual report.
“A consistent and reliable player” is a quote from the 1961 report.
Dick was also a major contributor to the club
off the field being treasurer for three years.
Those were incredibly successful years for the Colleagues
the 1960’s brought about by men of the quality of Richard “Dick” Gibb.
September 24, 2024 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Vale, Tony Clifford
I regret to inform of the passing of Old Colleague
Tony Clifford. Tony aged 79 passed away on Tuesday 17th September after a short battle with brain cancer.
Tony was a stalwart and loyal supporter of the Colleagues,Tony played more than 100 games from the mid 60s to mid 70s, at 5/8 mainly for Whiddon and Judd. Known more for his backline organising skills rather than his running rugby, players of his calibre are the backbone of the club. At the many Long Lunch’s and Old Colleague days I found Tony was always up for a chat, with a smile.
He will be missed!
Our sympathies go out to his family also Old Colleague and brother
Michael
The funeral service will be held at the Palm Chapel at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium (Cnr Delhi Rd & Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park) at 2.15pm on Thursday 26 September.
Boothie
August 11, 2024 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Dear Colleague
The Long Lunch 2024 photos
are finally up on the clubs website
you can view them here //www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/gallery/long-lunch-2024/
Last home game before the semis this Saturday 17th August. It is also Ladies Day which always hold interest from many “Old Boys” Last chance to see a decent game of rugby against old rivals Lindfield on the balcony at headquarters.
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
“From the Archives”
A special historical note of interest from Vance Lowry
(author of Colleagues 80 year book “Sky Blue Winters”)
The Colleagues’ Uniform through the Years.
From the foundation of the club in 1933, the Colleagues jersey has remained the sky blue colour,the shorts navy, and, from the 1950s until the present day, the socks a standard hooped sky blue and navy.
The sky blue colour of the jersey is the same as it was when the club was founded in 1933. It has symbolised the club for 91 years.
One of the early founders of the club, Ewan Pizzey, elaborated on genesis of the jersey in his memoirs: “The club uniform was simple. Epping wore light blue sweaters and Harry Kershaw, also one of the original founders of Colleagues, and originally a player with Epping, had bought a new
one in 1932. The NSW Rugby Union were happy for us to wear light blue as we would be in Eastern Division whilst Epping was in the Northern Division. You must understand, a sweater cost about 7/6d (about 75 cents in today’s money) and Harry, like the rest of us was lucky to have a weekly
income of over one pound (or one dollar). The rest of the uniform was navy blue shorts, navy socks with light blue turndowns or your old school football socks.”
At this time, Australia was enduring a global depression. Money was hard to earn, unemployment was rife and the economic prospects for the future bleak. Harry’s frugality and circumstances had provided a standard uniform code which would resiliently endure for the Blue Giants.
It was not until the 1950s that a club emblem, a shield with the letter C inside the shield, would appear on the jersey. Historical team photos of this era verify this. An unusual set of circumstances prevailed to launch the club emblem that we know today – the rugby ball with the C superimposed on it. Former player, coach, club icon and luminary John Corlis (RIP) related this story to me.
Legend has it that a club member was finding a rather tedious
Colleagues Committee Meeting in 1960 a real test of mental endurance. As his concentration strayed he started to doodle on the Club Report. Low and behold – our club emblem. Motto of the story
“lightbulb moments can germinate from adversity.”
During the 90s a navy blue collar replaced the previous white collar jersey.
The style and texture of the jersey material has also advanced. For many years the jersey consisted of cotton which absorbed sweat. Players purchased their own standard long sleeved jerseys from
the club and could modify them. Using their own sharply honed tailoring techniques, they severing the hot long sleeves. During the 60s and 70s and 80s the “builders labourer look” became very fashionable – jagged edges on the shortened sleeves.
More recently, polyester material has evolved. This is lighter and supposedly cooler for the player. Polyester wicks moisture and keeps body temperature more constant, is quick drying and durable for high impact sports.
Naturally, sponsorships are also now an integral part of grass roots rugby. These logos on player clothing represent the club’s recognition of financial support. They remain a valuable economic resource for Colleagues.
Vance Lowry
(author of “Sky Blue Winters: 80 Years of the Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club,
1933 to 2012”).
August 2024
February 8, 2024 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
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Save the date – Long Lunch Friday 31st May 2024
Pull out the diary or block out the email calendar for a day not to be missed. Any eagle eyed Colleagues might see that Waratahs v Reds is on this night at Allianz Stadium (SFS), so roll into that after another cracking Colleagues Long Lunch. Fire up the group chats and lock this date away for a sky blue rugby lovers dream day.
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2024 Pre Season Key Dates
Welcome to 2024! We’ve locked in our trial games and pre season trainings.
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Woollahra Colleagues Membership
Dear Colleagues alumni and current player group,
This year we are offering a special membership package for the 2024 season. The 2024 supporter membership includes;
– Supporters hat
– Colleagues stubby holder
– Bumper sticker
– Three free drink card to be redeemed at any of our home games.
We hope that this will give those that no longer don the boots an opportunity to still be a part of this great club.
Memberships are $60 and can be purchased using the link below. If you want your package to be delivered there is an additional cost of $10 payable at the checkout. Alternatively, if you want to collect we’ll have your package ready at all home games.
Get around this great initiative and we look forward to seeing you down in 2024.
LINK TO PURCHASE:
//square.link/u/JRPVsKyP
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Wanting to get involved in 2024?
We are always keen to get the Colleagues Community involved in any way that we can. If you are interested in getting back down around the club but don’t know how, reach out to Toby Cooke on 0438144874. It could be anything from helping manage a team this year, to helping clear beer stock behind the bar at a home game on a Satruday afternoon.
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Massive thanks to our partners
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May 16, 2023 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Long Lunch and Old Colleagues Day Weekend
Long Lunch is closing in fast Friday 26th May
12.00pm Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
Book a seat now, (click on the link below) be a part of a fantastic
afternoon and support the greatest rugby club in the world!
www.trybooking.com/CGSZE
Wake Up, WHAT, Next Day is Old Colleagues Day
Does it get any better !
Saturday 27th Games against old enemy Hunters Hill
Very important game, watch the Blue Giants again repel
last seasons Grand Finalists.
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
February 5, 2023 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
February 2023 Old Colleagues News
Vale Gary Connery
A note for Old Colleagues sadly letting you know of the passing of Gary Connelly. Gary passed away peacefully at home on Friday 1st Feb after a prolonged stint of I’ll health.
Gary a vibrant personality played for the club for three years 1969,1970 and 1971. Gary was an outstanding player at hooker for the club representing for Subbies, winning two Kentwell Premierships and two Best and Fairest awards.
Described in the 1970 Annual Report as by far the best hooker in the competition, hard working both in the tight and the open.
Gary attended many of the early long lunches and it easy to witness how much he enjoyed being a Colleague.
On behalf of all Colleagues i wish to extend my deepest sympathy to your family and friends at this time.
Family and friends are invited to attend Garry’s funeral at St Francis Xavier Church, MacKenzie St, Lavender Bay on Tuesday 7th February at 1.30 pm.
Please RSVP:
gmconnery2023@gmail.com
For further funeral details:
gregoryandcarr.com.au
Gregory and Carr
Traditional Funeral Directors
9888 2203
“Go the Colleagues ”
Boothie
June 14, 2022 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS JUNE 2022
Vale Julian Buttrose
Sad news, the passing last week of another Old Colleague Julian Buttrose. Julian played with the Colleagues from 1961 to 1964. Julian played on the wing and according to annual reports of that period he was a good finisher scoring many tries and always known to be energetic and involved around the field.
Julian played in the Kentwell, Burke and Whiddon Cups, winning several premierships. Julian was a great bloke, gregarious by nature always inquiring about the workings of the current day Colleagues when attending a long lunch or old Colleague days.
Julian suffered at the hands of that insidious disease motor neurone. I’m told he fought bravely to the end in true Colleague fashion
Sending thoughts and sympathies from the Colleagues family to the Buttrose family and friends.
A private cremation will take place with a memorial to be held at a later date.
Post script: I’m sure that Julian would not mind me mentioning that in the seasons that he played his glamorous sister “Ita” was often on the sidelines and that not unlike ladies day’s of the present the 1960’s Colleagues sideline was the place to be seen!
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
