August 10, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Weekly news
The History of ‘Ladies Day.’ Vance Lowry (Author: Sky Blue Winters).
“Let us have wine and women, mirth and laughter; sermons and soda water the day after.” Lord Byron.
Throughout Colleagues’ 92-year history, the fairer sex has been enthusiastic supporters of Colleagues. However, it was not until 1996 that an official ‘Ladies Day’ was instituted.
In the early days of the club (1930/40s) socialisation among members involved mixing with the opposition players after the match at the Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay. As Lyne Park was Colleagues home ground, sometimes they put on a post-match keg at the ground. This seemed to be an all-male affair. Perhaps a reflection of society at the time.
The outbreak of World War 2 in 1939 saw the cessation of rugby until 1946.In the post war period leading into 1950s, social outings with loved ones took the form of picnics. A Christmas picnic, at Shark Island off Rose Bay, was a great success, well attended, and enjoyed by all. Attendees agreed the Christmas BBQ should become a permanent fixture.
It was not until 1954 that the Colleagues hosted their 21st Anniversary Dinner Dance at Sherbrook Lounge in Double Bay. This was a formal affair with a printed invitation.
“I only drink champagne on two occasions – when I am in love and when I am not.” Coco Chanel (1883–1971), pioneering French fashion designer.
In 1957 the first Colleagues clubhouse was completed. It was to become the social and central hub of all rugby related activity for decades to come.
The great on field success of the 50’s meant that more spectators attended home games. They, in turn, could be accompanied by members of the fairer sex, who also invited their friends. Before you knew it, there was the embryo of ‘Ladies Day.’
The 1960’s heralded many dynamic forces of societal change. The social life of the club blossomed, and very attractive ladies extended their interest and enthusiasm in attending both matches and social functions. These became an integral part of the Colleagues lifestyle. The ‘swinging 60’s’ were greeted with thunderous applause and affirmation by the Colleagues. Some Colleagues even met their future partners at these festivities. I know because I was there in this era, observing this phenomenon! (circa 1970, Vance Lowry author)
“He who loves not wine, women and song remains a fool his whole life long.” Martin Luther, German Priest 1483- 1546.
Saturday night dances throughout the season also acted as a catalyst to the social environment.
“A woman drove me to drink and I didn’t even have the decency to thank her.” W.C.Fields, American actor, comedian and writer.
Post-match attendance in old clubhouse was packed out, particularly when it came to speeches and chugger-lugs. In this period, Colleagues was blessed with many raconteurs with oratorical skills who delivered their lines humorously. Traditionally, it was the President or Captain of the opposition club who spoke first, as they were guests. The host was given the right of reply. It was great witty entertainment; hence the crowd. The rough and ready bar somehow added to the flavor of the celebrations.
Later our piano player, Bruce Diggle (RIP), led the singalong as he thumped out various celebratory (often ribald) tunes about life and failed romances. Little gems of philosophy!
Some luminaries in the club credit Colleagues with initiating the cordial ritual of welcoming the visiting club. This practice was thought to have emanated in British Rugby Clubs, (over the years we have had a few Poms in the club) and, it became an entrenched part of Colleagues welcoming and respecting their opponents. The audience loved it.
Annual reports are punctuated with descriptions of annual balls, club dances, disco nights (especially in the 1980’s) all of which increased significantly. Again, societal change, with the acceptance of women, paved the way.
Quotable Quote: New girlfriend to new Colleague’s boyfriend : “I can tell from the people that you attract that you are, indeed, quite popular with a certain type. I want you to still be able to hang out with your friends. Even the ones I think are a bad influence which is, virtually, this whole club.” (Circa 1968, source: Vance Lowry, old Colleague and author, archival quotes of the decade).
As the club evolved, there was an acknowledgement that social events should become a formal part of the club calendar. 1996 saw the establishment of social committees who incorporated ‘Ladies Days’ as a permanent fixture. This highlighted inclusiveness as a high priority for Colleagues culture. The recent inclusion of a woman’s rugby team has also embraced the notion of the egalitarianism of the club. It will probably not be long before representatives of this team are appointed to traditionally male dominated duties e.g. coaching, office bearing etc. Their input already is of great value in assisting the organisation of ‘Ladies Day.’ Will we ever have a female President or Club Captain? Only time will tell.
Currently, features of the day relate to a plethora of attractions for the ladies, including a one up wrist band which entitles the wearer to champagne and nibbles. Relaxing background techno music blasts away sometimes with a DJ. Indie rock with a solo guitarist has also appeared. Raffles, prizes, and pampering, as well as the rugby, caters for many. To provide for all, I have also witnessed the inclusion of a jumping castle for the kids. It is no surprise that, together with the ‘Long Lunch’, Ladies Day represents a good fundraiser for the club.
“There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.” Bette Davis, American actress of film, TV and theatre.
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS JULY 2026
Old Colleagues News July
In rugby terms July August rounds 9-11 has been an 8 man shove towards the finals. The usual pitfalls mid season, injuries, work trips,and skiing holidays included.But Colleagues as a club have put in the big ones in and its been a great effort to see the majority of teams in finals contention.
Round 9 After a couple of narrow losses the Giants were back a home in Must win game against Petersham. The Shammies through every thing at the Giants and were dangerous the whole game. It was not until the final few moment that the Giants class shone through.
A Chip and chase in front of the club house balcony was worth the admission price alone!! A couple of Cowra country giants emerging as Kentwell quality standing out during the game and doing the job.
Round 10 Away again this time to Drummoyne all games played on the back field Taplin Oval (Due to a Crap weather week) This time last season we had an identical scenario and disappointingly the Kentwell went down ina narrow arm wrestle. This I was thinking was going to happen again half way through the second half however the Blue Giants pulled together and came away with a solid 49-27 with Simmo showing his speed from full back setting up a spectacular full field tri many hands contributing. Again the lower grades were powering along with a majority of wins.
The round 5 catch up game was played next the Blue Giants put their number ones on and manned the bus to Blue Mountains for the annual posh and add some class to the mountains round.
The away game in the mountains is always a challenge but the posh Giants and the Colleagues Blue Birds rose to the challenge winning 4 of the 6 away games!In the Kentwell a magnificent breakout downfield run by Colleagues back rower stalwart Aidan Brown and finished off by the all skills Giants Captain Theo Strang put the mountains away in the dying minutes of the game.An outstanding never say die come from behind performance
Round 11 and Giants traveled over the bridge and up the highway to Old Soldiers Lindfield Rugby (Old Boys Day).
At Soldiers Memorial Park so called because of a memorial in the park remembering local residents who fought not played in the 1st World War!!!
In the Kentwell Lindfield came out firing every ball stuck and they took advantage of a couple of Blue Giant penalties and turnovers to run up an early score line. The second half the Giants found their mojo and powered home to just go down 29-24 in a hard fought but entertaining game. Tough day in the office for the boys on a grassless rock hard deck. (Lindfield showing signs of being a contender for the Cup)
Season Standings Update
With round 11 behind us and just two games to go ( Hunters Hill at home 8th Aug, and Mosman away 15th Aug. )
Kentwell are sitting 4th on the ladder just in front of Blue Mountains.
Colts (Barber Cup) are on top of the comp while Whiddon are 4th, Judd are 2nd, Sutherland 1st (undefeated), 6ths (Haligan) 1st, the Blue Birds are 5th and the Colts 2nds (Radford) are 5th.
Ladies day and last home game this weekend 8th August
(Black arm bands for Sandy Ross R.I.P.)
See you on the Balcony
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
|
|
|
|
June 24, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
After what seemed an eternity, Blue Giant rugby returned after a wash out against Blue Mts away and then the following weekend’s Kings birthday long weekend.
It looked like rust took hold fairly quickly for the Kentwell Giants as they looked all at sea and suffered a surprise lost to Mosman on Old Colleagues day. (Boo)
Disappointing especially as I had been spruking the possibilities of the Kentwell Cup season to anyone who would listen for 4 hours at the previous days exceptional Long Lunch.
Talking about the Long Lunch, plenty of laughs from Wallabies Gita,Ashley Cooper and Drew Mitchell (who said later it was one of the best lunches they had been to for years). All magnificently MC’ed by our own Ben Wood (not woods lol)
A big representation by the 1996 Giants reminisced as Club President Chris Price went through the stories and personalities that made up that incredible season 30 years ago.
A presentation by Cam Ireland launched the fund raising drive for the revamp of the club hse facilities was well received and on that point now is the appropriate time in the financial year to make a tax deductible donation giving back in a small way to our great club
Donations for the club can be made through the Australian Sports Foundation. Old Colleagues will remember this was the successful process that raised moneys to build our Club House opened back in 2003 and now the envy of every subbies club.
//asf.org.au/campaigns/woollahra-colleagues-rugby-union-football-club/woollahra-colleagues-rufc-infrastructure-and-development-fund
Round 7 (of 12), The Blue Giants traveled to Boronia Park to face old foe Hunters Hill. Perfect conditions saw a fast moving game in the Kentwell Cup with Hunters getting away with a big start and the Colleagues grinding away in the second half to get very close before some defensive lapses, indiscretions a yellow card (again) proved damaging and the team suffered a brave loss against the team to beat this season.
The Days Highlight was the gritty and welcome back win for the Burke Cup. I suspect more to come for the Burkies as their combinations look to become more settled.
Next game sees the start of the second round V Waves away on 27th June,
then Shammies at home on the 4th July and then the Mts away catch up game on 18th July.
The Club’s teams are well positioned in each of the grades but experience will tell you these next few games are the hard yards and there are valuable points on offer before the back end of the season ( hear endeth the lesson)
As a special mention to the Colleagues “Blue Birds” girls team whose presence lit up the room at the long lunch, and whose rugby is respected by all opposition teams . (such a welcome addition to the Colleague family.)
See you on the balcony!
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
Verbal Rugby. Vance Lowry (Author: Sky Blue Winters)
The Game
‘In 1823, William Webb Ellis first picked up a ball in his arms and ran with it. And for the next 156 years, forwards have been trying to work out why.’ (Sir Tasker Watkins President of WRU)
‘Rugby is a good occasion for keeping 30 bullies far from the center of the city.’ (Oscar Wilde)
‘Nobody in rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.’ (NZ Jonno Gibbs)
‘Rugby players are either piano shifters or piano movers. Fortunately, I am one of those who can play a tune.(The ever- modest Pierre Danos)
‘It’s the first time I’ve been cold for 7 years. I was never cold playing rugby league.’ (Johnathan Davies on his return to rugby union)
‘The only thing you’re ever likely to catch on the end of an English backline is chilblains.’ (David Campese)
‘Rugby is a game for big buggers. If you’re not a big bugger then you get hurt. I wasn’t a big bugger but I was a fast bugger and I, therefore, avoided big buggers. (Spike Milligan)
‘Sure there have been injuries and deaths in rugby – but none of them serious’. (All Blacks team Doctor, John ‘Doc ‘Mayhew)
‘If History repeats itself, I think we can expect the same thing over.’ (NZ Anton Oliver)
‘You never want to be the guy that talks it up and then can’t back it up, training like Tarzan and playing like Jane’. (England’s James Haskell)
‘You’re a clever fucker, aren’t you’: hooker to winger. Winger to hooker: ‘Yeah well you’re short, fat, bald and old and your wife doesn’t love you.’(anon)
Young scrum half on debut to opposing experienced half: ‘Don’t hurt your back putting the ball in, old man.’ Retort: ‘I would give you some abuse but I have no idea who the fuck you are.’ (England’s Andy Gommersell)
Refereeing
‘Refereeing is the only job where you start the game with no friends and actively work to make it stay that way.’ (anon)
‘Without referee’s rugby would be just a bar fight with uniforms.’ (anon)
‘I’m the referee. One of us is right and the other is you.’ (Nigel Owens)
Referee to argumentative player: ‘You have been under the misapprehension that this is a dialogue…. when it is, in fact, a monologue.’ (Nigel Owens)
‘I’m not sure we have met before, but I’m the referee.’ (Nigel Owens)
Referee to 2 disagreeable players in a ‘he fuckin started it’ confrontation: ‘I don’t care who started it, you can both fuck off with your yellows right now or continue it and fuck off with your reds later. What’s it going to be?’ (anon)
‘Referees: masters of flags, whistles and silent stares.’ (anon)
‘Why do referees carry cards? To handle adult arguments quickly.’ (anon)
‘Abuse directed at the ref is self-explanatory – or kept simple enough so he’ll at least understand it.’ (Justin Brown)
‘We want consistency, but don’t want a consistent referee to consistently blow their whistle.‘ (Murray Mexted, All-Black)
Unsteady Eddie & his visionary role model view: ‘We need to make sure that we have respect because we are asking kids to be respectful to the referee and if they see coaches being disrespectful it gives them an example of how to do it at their level.’
Reality of the same Eddie, May 13th 2026 SMH – Footage of Eddie Jones pacing the sidelines and abusing a young referee in Coffs Harbour has emerged after a complaint from Rugby Australia led to the Wallabies & England coach being suspended for 6 weeks by the Japanese RFU.
Jones was suspended for 4 matches and fined for his behavior toward match officials during a Japanese under 23 Tour of Australia in April. He was also fined more than $10,000 because of verbal abuse directed at local match officials.’ He was stunned by the severity of his punishment and apologized having deeply regretted his behavior!
‘I never comment on referees and I’m not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat.’ (Ewen McKenzie, Aust Coach)
Rugby and Relationships (all anonymous)
‘My wife told me to choose between rugby & her. I said sure, just give me 90 minutes to mull it over.’
Text between troubled couple – 3pm girlfriend: ……’Me or rugby?’ 5pm boyfriend: …. ‘You, of course, darling’.
Perspective on Rugby Players: ‘I can tell from the people you attract that you are, indeed, quite popular with a certain type.’
First date to Rugby Player: ‘I don’t think I drink enough to date you.’
Girl friend to Rugby Player: ‘Your orthodontist sure had his work cut out for him!’
Rugby player to Lecturer after a loss on the field and a failing tutorial grade: ‘I chose your class for its awesome student-to-pompous- asshole ratio.’
Date to rugby player: ‘Having met your brother, I thought you’d be really hot.’
Rugby player to date: ‘Let’s go Dutch. I don’t want you to have any expectations.’
Girlfriend to rugby player: ‘I need to discover who I am without you’.
Coach to rugby player: We both failed. You failed to succeed and I failed to drop you sooner.’
Coach to rugby player: ‘You’ve got a very bright future ahead of you in another club.’
‘Rugby is just like love. You have to give before you can take. And when you give the ball it’s like making love—you must think of the other’s pleasure before your own.’ (French full – back Serge Blanco)
June 1, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS MAY 2026
Season 2026 is well underway and the Colleagues Blue Giants are in to it both on and off the pitch including a huge squad of Colts and the Colleagues girls team “Blue Birds as I call them causing a noticeable positive vibe throughout!
The season started with a cracking Anzac day event against Waverley. The two Kentwell teams lined up with the last post playing remembering those who served and protected the freedoms we enjoy today. A memorable and unique day for the club, and the Kentwell Blue Giants did not let the big crowd down putting together a stern defensive effort followed by some brilliant ball play running out winners 43-21. Wins also in the Colts, Sutherland and Blue Birds (Girls).
Second round saw the Blue Giants take on Petersham at Camperdown oval (where a car parking withing a km radius is a myth) on a fine day on the sideline (with seating as scare as the parking) not troubling the Colleagues winning Kentwell, Colts, Whiddon, Judd, Sutherland and a draw for the Blue Birds. Kentwell continued where they left off against Waves and scored a most entertaining win 29-12.
Third round, another away game this time against Drummoyne (another inhospitable venue) on their ladies day (looking a bit short on numbers compared to the Colleagues version). Again the Giants came in force dominating in most games. The Kentwell running out winners 26-12. Highlight of the day, a number of Old Colleagues attending and also Old Colleague dads on the fence to watch their sons going round including Matt Collett watching son Hugo and Pete Calligeros watching son George making his debut in the Kentwell in the front row !
Fourth round after a wet weather bye the Giants were back at home in wintery drizzly slippery conditions against Lindfield. The club house was buzzing as the sideline crowd and players took refuge under cover, also a massive colts party going on with the club fielding three colts sides and the first colts scoring a 99-5 win with one of the boys scoring a huge 34 individual point. Both stats club records. It was a different story in the Kentwell. In the toughest contest of the season, an arm wrestle in any sense and not surprising considering the conditions Linfield were victors worrying the Colleagues into a few errors late in the piece and just edging ahead 27-22
Next up is Blue Mountains away at Lapstone. (This round I’ll be happy watching the game from home in the Tim Booth stand on NSW Rugby TV). Www.nswrugbytv.com.au
DIARY note: LONG LUNCH Coming up fast with a celebration of the 1996 season wins (4 from 5)
Friday 12th June,12.00 kick off Dockside, 2 Wheat Rd Sydney. LINK BELOW
//checkout.square.site/merchant/90N9424CH4K4A/checkout/EPM7WCBFBCO2UV4OZTX3CNQF
DIARY Note
Old Colleagues Day and long lunch recovery !
Saturday 13th June, home game Vs Mosman. If last years day is anything to go by a huge day beckons with Old Colleagues from all generations making an appearance.
The Evolution and Dynamic Development of Suburban Rugby.
Vance Lowry (Author: Sky Blue Winters)
Many Suburban rugby clubs were formed and named after the local municipalities where they originated and this still characterizes Division 1 Suburban rugby today. (Woollahra Colleagues, Drummoyne, Waverley, Hunters Hill). Some were also named as old boy clubs based around schools (Knox OB, St Pats, St Ignatius, Trinity, Newington). In the early days, others were named after the primary activity of their members (Bondi Lifesavers, NSW Fire Brigades, Bank of NSW).
Since 1932 the Kentwell Cup has been contested some 98 times.
In 1932, Waverley College (the school) contested, and won, the Kentwell Cup against Hunters Hill. This was a remarkable achievement pitted against older, bigger and heavier opponents. The schoolboys played running rugby with great ball handling skills and fluency. Sanity prevailed and they did not contest it the next year, preferring to compete in the newly created schools’ competition and not against adults.
The concept of promotion and relegation, along with other factors, has fundamentally altered the profile of the Division 1 clubs. Briars (a powerhouse club in the 50’s and 60’s) now plays in a lower division. Furthermore, many of the old boy clubs have had to join them. Some have completely disappeared. Others have had to merge with another club to survive. At the end of each playing season, the promotion and relegation of clubs is based on club championship points: this alters the composition of Division 1.
At the time of writing in 2026, Newport had been relegated and Petersham promoted. Some handle the upward transition while others find it more difficult.
Petersham have a checkered recent history as they won the Kentwell Cup in 2017 (also Club Champions) and 2018. After spending some time in Division 2, they have fought their way back up to Division 1 this season. Other fairly recent promotion success stories are Blue Mountains and Hunters Hill. Blue Mountains won the Cup in 2023-24, while Hunters Hill, who, previously, had been very dominant during the late 70’s and early 80’s, proved too strong for the mountain men in last year’s Kentwell Grand Final.
Change is the law of life and those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
- John F Kennedy. (35th President of the US 1961-63)
All clubs, both OB and Municipal clubs, have also experienced their own internal pressures of change through player demographics. Player retirement may be due to age, family, study, and other commitments. Players may also contemplate retirement having won a premiership and ‘go out a winner.’ All these factors account for a natural rate of attrition.
In 60 odd years, the following clubs have disappeared, having won a Kentwell Cup Premiership previously: Newington OB, 1969; Bondi Lifesavers, 1971; Matraville, 1985, 86, 88, 91 (joint Premiers with Waverley St Leos, 1992; Dundas Valley, 2003. It is significant that, from these clubs, only Matraville was successful in adding the Bruce Graham Shield (Club Championship) to their trophy cabinet along with their Kentwell Cup in 1986. There is a strong correlation between the depth of a club and success at the top level.
Colleagues are indeed fortunate to have developed a formula for long term success. This involves a strategic philosophy in conjunction with the fostering of a harmonious egalitarian culture within the club. Stability and good governance are also paramount. One must also not forget the role of coaches with their technical skills and their ability to enhance morale within their team and the club.
Colleagues, as yet, have not suffered the indignity of relegation and, whatever the complex components of this magic elixir are, we need to continue to bottle it, as it has reliably transcended decades. This is not to say that the club has not weathered some poor seasons across all the grades. However, Colleagues has demonstrated resilience over time and the ability to ‘bounce back.’
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.
- Colin Powell.(65th Secretary of State of US 2001-2005)
…………………………………
Calling all 96 season Colleagues winners for this years long lunch,(30 year reunion)
Sutherland
McGrath,Small,Riddell,Tracy,Shaw,Marks,Nisbet,Reynolds,Perkins,Willis,
DeCarvalho,Jolliffe,Breeze,Campbell(Assist),Welsh(Capt/coach),The General Paton
Bowman(Capt)Paradice,Roberts,Clarke,Lanause,Herbert,Johnson
Judd
Goot,Maxwell,Booth,Tilley(Capt),Lamont,Holdsworth,Ryan,Williamson,Corbett
Lloyd-Jones x2,Smith,Macfarlane,McCarthy,Apps,Keats,Upton,Theakson.
Cullen(Coach)
Whiddon
Cox,Heron,The General,Brincat,Schall,Sinclair,Lotz,Creagh,Buys,LLoyd Jones,Kendell,McCure,Dance,Linker,Einfield,Okamura,Macbride,Haimovich,
Wood(Coach),Foote(Assist),Taylor(Assist)
Kentwell
Urquhart,Brahimi,Cummins,Warfield,Nelson,Poolman,Richard,Gill,Clarke,Forsyth,
Gibson,Gooch,Bannister,Crawford,Sproats,Upton,Griffiths,Woods,Day,Dance,
Collett,Gray-Spencer(Coach)Gray-Spencer(Assist)
Old Colleagues please track down as many 96ers as possible for a great reunion afternoon.
May 10, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
Welcome to the first edition of the Old Colleague News for the 2026 season.
Vance Lowry (author of the club’s history Sky Blue Winters) and myself,combining an old blokes perspective on how the seasons going with something from the archives.
Happy to report a great turnout for preseason training and trials against Orange, NSW Uni, Petersham and Mosman. The Colleagues girls (“Blue Birds” as I’ve nicknamed them) have had several hit outs as well and are looking to build on last years successes.
In comp news Newport didn’t make the sizeable jump to the Kentwell Cup and heads back to second division, while foundation club Petersham 4 time Kentwell Cup winners since their foundation in 1883 (One win with a Wallaby to be Charlie Gamble in the back row) comes back up for another crack at the big time.
Looking forward to the big clash Vs Waverley on Anzac Day. A unique date/event for the club and sure to be a memorable day.
See you on the balcony
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
DIARY Note
Long Lunch Friday 12th and the launch of fund raising for the new Club extensions. (Standby for more info)
…………………………
The ANZAC Spirit at Colleagues
When Colleagues was established in 1933, it was against the background of a world economic environment of Depression. Our five founding fathers were certainly both determined and resilient considering they were only teenagers at the time.
It was a brave decision to embark on the formation of a rugby club. There were many clubs around Sydney seeking members and all 5 of our foundation members had played Sub-District rugby for other clubs in 1932. Furthermore, the economic environment was certainly not conducive to the forming of a new rugby club.
The Depression had devastating economic impacts on Australia. Record unemployment (32% in 1932), a decline in Gross Domestic Product (-17%), poverty, low profits, deflation, plunging incomes and a subsequent psychological drain in national confidence. It took over a decade to recover from this.
Despite this gloomy economic environment, it was an amazing achievement that Colleagues played their first Whiddon Cup game at Lyne Park, Rose Bay on Saturday May 9th 1933 (and were defeated by Bondi Lifesavers 11-3). By 1935 Colleagues fielded three teams in Whiddon, Bourke and Kentwell Cups. This wave of success was continued and translated into securing the Club Championship in 1938 and 1939.
While it is only conjecture, perhaps there was a twofold positive impact for all Subbies Clubs at this time. The Depression, as with COVID, precipitated the need to have some outlet which provided enjoyment to lift one’s spirits. Furthermore, the growth of District Clubs required the more serious commitment to 2 nights per week training. Suburban Clubs suited many time-poor prospective recruits who were looking for employment, may have families, or who had other responsibilities. Only 1 night per week training with Subbies was appealing.
Australia joined World War 2 on Sept 3 1939 following the Government’s acceptance of the United Kingdom’s declaration of war on Nazi Germany. Almost 1 million Australians, both men and women served in World War 2.
With the outbreak of war, Colleagues realized that they would no longer be able to continue as a normal rugby club and a special Emergency Meeting was held at Rushcutters Bay Oval on June 6th 1940. 31 members attended with the main agenda item being the disposition of club funds/assets. The decision was made to donate 100 pounds toward the war effort.
At an AGM on April 9th 1941, the Club Secretary announced that the club had just over 100 members serving in the armed forces.
At home, a skeleton crew of Colleagues continued to play in a smaller reformatted competition in 1940/41 winning both the Kentwell Cup and Club Championship in 1941.
Eventually the drain of numbers, through enlistments, took their toll and resulted in the suspension of the Sub-District Competition in 1942.
Colleagues re-united in 1946 and the 11th AGM was held on the 28th March 1946. It was announced that, in fact, 140 brave Colleagues had enlisted. Tragically 5 had sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. Seven had been captured as POW’S but returned reasonably healthy. No less than 18 were decorated for distinguished service.
Given the enforced break of the war, this AGM was very well attended. The resonance of the Club name Colleagues had been most appropriate: ‘We’re all in this together.’ Furthermore, Members had faithfully served their country, embracing the ANZAC spirit, and then re-united after the war; they proved they had (and still have) a commonality of purpose.
Vance Lowry (author Sky Blue Winters).
ANZAC Day Edition April 2026.
January 26, 2026 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
VALE’ Michael Stynes
Old Colleague Michael Stynes passed away Tuesday 20 January aged 86 years.
Michael joined the Colleagues in 1975, arriving from Randwick with a reputation as a quality rugby player with a lethal goal kick.
Michael who possessed a quite, mentor like personality coached the Kentwell Cup in 1975,1976 and 1977. Under Michael’s coaching each year team improvement was evident as was the implementation of the “Randwick” running game, a style the Colleagues club still enjoys playing today. Micheal a true club man played the odd game in Whiddon cup when called upon and was joint Treasurer in 1977 and on committee in 1978.
A loyal and good friend to many now welcomed into Rugby Heaven.
Tributes can be left by googling tributes.smh.com.au and searching Stynes
His funeral is being held at
St Francis Church,
Paddington at 10.30am on
Friday 30 January.
(Afterwards at Woollahra Golf Club)
…………………………………………………
VALE’ Jan Logan
The Colleagues are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Jan Logan mother of Old Colleague Angus Logan. Born in Narrabri, Jan raised her family on a farm before moving to Sydney. Jan an extraordinary businesswomen built a unique jewellery business nationally with three stores Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Her jewellery has been worn by celebrities world wide including Tina Arena and Taylor Swift. All the time never forgetting the Colleagues, sponsoring the club for more than thirty years. On behalf of all Colleagues we extend our condolences to Angus and his family at this time.
(Jan’s son Angus,“Loges” a popular Old Colleague holds the distinction of hiding in the Whiddon Cup for several games before being a standout in the second half of the season for the 1992 Kentwell Cup).
………………………………….
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
October 12, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS OCTOBER 2025
Thats a wrap.
Season 2025 came to a close for the Blue Giants with a bang.
Sutherland, Judd and Whiddon Cup teams all making their Grand Finals.
While the Sutherland came so close narrowly going down to season dream team heavy weights Waverley 16-15 under lights at Easts. It was victory to the Judd Cup Blue Giants 6-0 against Waverley (will bring the crowds back) and a big win for the Whiddon Cup Blue Giants with a come from behind 25-13 win against Waverley.(Again, serial pests).
And you put that silverware next to the Haligan Cup won the week before and its a bulging trophy cabinet 8 other clubs in the competition would be envious of.
All teams playing in the finals did the club proud, often playing well above their performances during the year. Over the years I have heard from many opposition players that Colleagues are always hard to beat in a Grand Final. No more so than season 2025.
Congrats to old foe Hunters Hill for winning both the Kentwell cup (after 28 years surprisingly) and the Club Championship (after 28 years surprisingly), there would have been some equally lengthy celebrations I would say.
Onward to 2026 with a Club chock full of club spirit, a club full of young Blue Giants and a young enthusiastic (proving to be successful) committee.
As far as club standings go 2026 looks like Newport will have another season down a grade and swap places with old club Petersham who took the Reliance Shield in Barraclough Cup after a season long running battle with NSW Uni. (Result came down to the last minutes in the last round)
Wishing all Old Colleagues a Sky Blue off season.
Until next year “Go the Colleagues”
Boothie and Vance
August 3, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues, Weekly news
‘In Search of the Holy Grail’
Since the foundation of the Colleagues in 1933, the pursuit of the Club
Championship in Division 1 of Suburban Rugby has been the number one priority. It
represents an accurate measure of the real strength of the club across the grades. In
the last 15 years Colleagues have won the Club Championship in 2011, 2015, 2016
and 2023. These were achieved on the back of premierships in Kentwell (3), Burke
(3), Whiddon (3), Judd (3), Sutherland (4), Barbour (2).
The Kentwell Cup has great history and value and remains the pinnacle of Suburban
Rugby however it is highly competitive. Consecutive Kentwell premierships are rare
indeed. The reward of this prized trophy is built over time, with the development of a
player pool.
The Kentwell Cup is allocated the highest weighting of club championship points,
thus, there is a strong correlation between the two. Nevertheless, Colleagues has, in
many instances, had to rely on what Tim Booth (Colleagues legend and icon) refers
to as ‘the spine of the club’ or our middle and lower grades.
In 1998, the club, after a poor year across the grades, needed victories in all grades
in the penultimate round against Waverley. This they duly did, thereby avoiding the
humiliation of relegation to Division 2. A narrow escape indeed. This is why every
game in every grade matters.
Anyone who has been around suburban rugby for a while has seen former ‘heavy
weight’ clubs end up down the divisions. Once relegated, it can be a one-way trip. A
club’s reputation and drawing power can slide, leading to a player deficiency, lower
club morale and a critical need to revitalize methodology of club management.
Sometimes over-confidence and ‘resting on one’s oars’ are the catalysts for
catastrophe. Suburban rugby history is littered with the flotsam of now defunct clubs
which have ceased to exist, while others have been relegated, reduced their number
of teams or have had to merge to stay alive.
On a more optimistic note, in 2011 the win of the Club Championship by Colleagues
and the achievement of 5 premierships in all 5 grades was unprecedented – a ‘Blue
Rinse’ – and represents the other end of the spectrum. This is another illustration of
why every grade matters.
Vance Lowry (Author Sky Blue Winters)
June 29, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
·
Weekly news
Strong support for the Hunter family from Old Colleagues at Stuart’s memorial service. A dozen or more Old Colleagues attended the service. M.C. Old Colleague Nigel Davis spoke brilliantly and set the scene for a moving occasion. The memories shared by the various speakers resonated with the people attending in a warm family atmosphere. Representation by the number of Old Colleagues attending was an indication of the friendship and respect Stuart was held by his peers.
June 12, 2025 ·
Tim Booth
·
Weekly news
Memorial Service Details for the Late Stuart Hunter
2.00pm
Tuesday 24th June
Magnolia Chapel
Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium
Delhi Rd
North Ryde
