Founded in 1949, Canberra Royals Rugby Club celebrates its 75th (or diamond) anniversary this year. The Royals will host a series of special events, and they invite members, supporters, and the wider community to join in the festivities.
“Canberra Royals is a proud, inclusive and family club comprising seniors (women and men) and juniors (girls and boys) playing groups,” a spokesperson said.
Legend has it that the club was established after players disagreed whether they should be required to pay for their jerseys.
“Royals’ men’s and women’s teams have won more premierships and provided more home-grown ACT/Brumbies, Wallaroo and Wallaby representatives than any other ACT rugby club.
“Royals Juniors is the oldest continuously operating junior rugby club in the ACT. Royals Juniors field teams in across the local ACT competition; have a senior rugby college for under-13, under-16 and under-18 age divisions; and have strong community support in Weston Creek, Woden Valley, and, more recently, Molonglo Valley.”
Royals was the first rugby club in Australia to provide free period products at home ground facilities, and it has partnered with local charity HelpingACT to provide breakfast in local schools and free hygiene products and warm clothing for homeless people.
Royals president Dr Jim Taylor has been part of the club for half a century, and played 475 games for the senior club.
“The founder of this great community club, Mr Jack Waters, was the original Mr Rugby,” Dr Taylor said. “Never married, Jack lived for rugby and Royals. Jack, along with the Original ’49ers, established not only an extraordinary sporting club but a community, a family culture that endures strongly 75 years later.”
The club has published a commemorative book, 75 Years Young, by Matt Cleary, chronicling its history, achievements, and memorable moments.
“This book is a must-have for any Royals supporter or local rugby historian,” a spokesperson said.
The book will be launched at the Hellenic Club (Olympus Room), Woden, at 6.30pm this Saturday, 13 July. The evening will include a Q&A panel with the author, Matt Cleary; Geoff ‘Duke’ Didier, a Wallaby and local legend; Sharon O’Kane, a Wallaroos legend; and Andy Muirhead, a Brumbies superstar.
The club will hold its 75th anniversary festivities a fortnight later. They begin with welcome drinks on the night of Friday 26 July, and are capped off with a relaxed barbeque on Sunday 28 July.
“These events provide an excellent opportunity for past and present members to reconnect and share stories,” the spokesperson said.
The big event is a gala dinner on Saturday 27 July, at the Hellenic Club (Olympus & Apollo Rooms), Woden, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The elegant evening features a two-course dinner, drinks, and live entertainment.
“This formal black-tie event will be a night to remember as we honour the past and look forward to the future,” the spokesperson said.
For more details, and to stay updated on all the 75th Anniversary events, visit RoyalsRugby.com.au.
For more information, contact:
Jim Taylor
President
Canberra Royals Rugby Club
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0431 382 774
