Writing the book on rugby in Nelson Bay

THE history of the game of rugby in Nelson Bay is being gathered by an eager band of local sporting enthusiasts.

Although the group has been active for less than a month the response from the rugby community has been significant, with an array of articles and memorabilia received.

“Our mission is to celebrate Nelson Bay rugby union’s rich history, honouring the players, families and generations who have shaped the game, sharing their stories, achievements and contributions to the community,” the group told NOTA.

An original red and black juniors strip, from the mid-1960s, has been donated by Bill Shelly along with photos from the earliest days of the sport in the region.

Rugby was first played by three Nelson Bay teams during the war years.

Formed by members of the armed forces, the teams competed in Newcastle Rugby Union (NRU) competitions.

It was difficult to play on a regular basis as player availability depended on the state of the war effort – one team could be sent overseas on the shortest of notice.

The beginnings of Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Club emerged from the Fingal Bay Nippers during the mid-to-late 1960s.

Because of the interest in rugby, Nelson Bay High School began to field teams in all levels of competition, emerging as one of the strongest schools in the Newcastle district.

In order for graduating juniors to continue playing locally, rather than join Newcastle clubs, a senior club was then formed. .

The Nelson Bay Senior Rugby Club played trial matches as early as 1977 before establishing a local committee and formally entering a team in NRU as a First Division 3^rd Grade side the year after.

“Golden Oldies” teams followed and have since travelled to destinations around the world, spreading the game of rugby.

Women’s rugby has also exploded on the local scene in recent years.

Coordinator Vicki McCleer is busy gathering snippets of information, old photographs and records of both junior and senior clubs.

The book writing group requests that all information be forwarded to Vicki through her email vicki.mccleer@gmail.com.