Club News

Wakehurst U16 produced an impressive display on Saturday afternoon, running out convincing winners against Someteam with a final score of 21–5.

The young Reds showed real character throughout the match, building momentum with each half and demonstrating the kind of rugby that's been developing nicely in recent weeks. The backline moved the ball with purpose, while the forwards laid a solid platform that gave their teammates plenty of opportunity to shine.

It was a performance built on effort and execution rather than any single standout moment. The players stuck to their structures, communicated well, and made smart decisions when it mattered. That kind of consistency at U16 level is exactly what coaches want to see — it's the foundation that good rugby is built on.

Credit also goes to Someteam, who competed hard right through and scored a try of their own. That's what makes these matches valuable: they test our players in real conditions and help them grow.

One of the real pleasures of watching this age group is seeing how they support each other on the field. Whether it's helping a teammate up, offering encouragement, or working together to set up an opportunity — it's the kind of rugby culture we're proud of at Wakehurst.

There's plenty to build on from this win as the season progresses. The U16s have some great rugby ahead of them, and performances like this show what they're capable of when they come together.

Well done to the players, the coaching staff, and all the families who made the trip to support the side. It's that community spirit that makes Wakehurst special.

Knox came to play on Saturday afternoon, and they made their intentions clear from the opening moments. Our Wakehurst/Old Barker side fought hard against a well-organised opposition, but Knox's attacking prowess proved too much to contain as they ran in seven tries to take out the match 43–0.

It was one of those days where everything seemed to go Knox's way. Their backline moved the ball with purpose and their forward pack laid a solid platform, making it difficult for our lads to build any sustained momentum. Will Stanley was particularly dangerous, scoring a hat-trick, while support from Archie Stanley, Ethan Shepherd, Hugh McDonald and Lachlan Whiteing kept the scoreboard ticking over.

There were moments where we showed some spirit, and we can take some positives from the way our players kept working even when the result looked unlikely. Two of our blokes, Kailan Sweeny and Leo Hart, did spend some time in the sin bin, which didn't help our cause when we needed to stay on the field and compete.

Matches like this are part of the fabric of rugby—not every Saturday goes your way, but they're opportunities to learn and come back stronger. Our players showed character in sticking with it for the full 80 minutes, and that's something we build on.

We're grateful to Knox for hosting us at their ground, and to our families and supporters who made the trip across Sydney. A big thanks also goes to our players who gave their effort throughout.

Wakehurst will be back in action next weekend, and we're looking forward to bouncing back in front of our home crowd at Wakehurst Oval. Come along and show your support for our club.

Wakehurst travelled to Hornsby on Saturday looking to make their mark, but came up against a well-organised home side that proved too strong on the day. The final score of 45–17 doesn't tell the whole story of a match where our blokes showed real commitment and character throughout.

It was a tough afternoon in difficult conditions, and Hornsby came out with plenty of momentum early. Their attack kept us on the back foot for stretches, but our defensive line held firm in places and prevented the scoreline from blowing out further.

When we did get our chances, we made them count. Jack Charlton was outstanding, scoring two tries through pure determination and footwork. Ben Blanchard also showed what he's capable of with a well-earned try that got the sideline roaring. Henry Brown added the conversions as we built our way back into the contest.

The heat was on from start to finish, and you could see the effort across every position. Our forwards made some strong carries, and the backs showed intent whenever they got front-foot ball. At times, you could see the rugby we're capable of playing when things click.

Matches like this are valuable learning experiences. Hornsby showed us where we need to lift our execution, particularly in defence and maintaining consistency for the full 80 minutes. These are things we can work on.

Thanks to everyone who travelled to support the boys—your presence meant everything. Special mention to the Hornsby club for a well-run fixture and the warm welcome. We'll dust ourselves off and be ready to go again next week.

The character and heart are there. That's what we'll build on.

Wakehurst's Wakehurst/Old Barker side came away from Hornsby with a well-deserved 29–7 win on Saturday, delivering a performance that showcased some excellent rugby and genuine teamwork.

Andrew Saar was the standout performer for the day, crossing four times to lead the scoring. Matthew Dingley also got over the line in a strong attacking display. Connor Thomson added five points from the boot with two conversions, keeping the scoreboard ticking over when opportunities came.

Hornsby showed plenty of heart throughout the match, with James Garnett converting their try to make it a respectable scoreline in the end. There's never anything easy about rugby, and the home side made sure Wakehurst had to work for their points.

What stood out most was the way our side built phases, stuck to the plan, and created opportunities in attack. The forwards laid a solid platform, giving our backline the space and time to do what they do best. When chances came, we finished them—and that's what wins you games.

It's performances like this that make Saturday mornings at the club so worthwhile. Whether you're a long-time supporter, a parent on the sideline, or someone who's been coming to watch for just a few weeks, you get to see the hours of training and commitment come together on the paddock.

Thanks to Hornsby for a well-contested match, and a big thanks to our families who made the trip out west to support the boys. We'll be back at home next week, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone again then.

Great effort from all involved.

Knox proved a tough opponent for Wakehurst on Saturday afternoon, running out convincing winners with a final score of 46–14. While the result wasn't what the boys were hoping for, there was plenty to appreciate in Wakehurst's commitment and effort throughout the match.

Cooper Bowyer and Frederick Bown both crossed for tries for Wakehurst, with Jimmy Mclafferty adding two conversions to bring the team's total to 14 points. It was a solid attacking effort from our players, who worked hard to create opportunities and stay competitive in difficult circumstances.

Knox brought genuine intensity to the game, with their backline particularly sharp. They scored seven tries across the afternoon through Fraser Bursle, Ewan Leonard, Max Glover (twice), Hunter Raymond, Alexander De Laine, and Darcy Fitzgerald, with Johnny Fourie proving a reliable boot with four conversions and a field goal.

The standout moment for Wakehurst came through the individual efforts of Bowyer and Bown, who both showed good footwork and vision to get over the line. These are exactly the kinds of moments we want to build on as we move forward through the season.

While being on the wrong end of a scoreline like this is never pleasant, it's important to remember that rugby is a learning game. Every match teaches us something about ourselves and our opponents, and this afternoon was no exception. There were moments where our defensive shape held firm, and our attack showed real glimpses of promise.

We'd like to thank Knox for hosting us and the match officials for their management of the game. Thanks also to all our supporters who made the trip to cheer on the boys—your presence means everything to the players, regardless of the final score.

Wakehurst will dust ourselves off and prepare for next week with renewed focus. That's the nature of community rugby: you come back, you learn, and you keep improving.

Wakehurst made the trip to Hornsby on Saturday looking to make an impact, but came up against a well-organised home side that proved too strong on the day. The final scoreline of 7–56 doesn't tell the whole story of a match where our blokes showed plenty of heart despite some challenging moments.

George Payne secured our only try, with Sean McLafferty adding the conversion. That score represents the real effort our players put in throughout the 80 minutes, competing hard in difficult conditions and never giving up, even when the scoreboard got away from us.

Hornsby came to play and executed their game plan effectively, with Cooper Davenport particularly influential in their backline. Our defence worked hard to stem the tide on several occasions, and there were glimpses of what we're capable of — moments where we held shape and made tackles count.

Matches like this one remind us why we play rugby. It's not just about winning; it's about showing up for your mates, putting in the effort, and learning from the experience. Our players did all three of those things on Saturday.

Thanks to Hornsby for hosting us and providing the opportunity for our club to get out and play some footy. A big thank you also to our supporters who travelled north to cheer the boys on — your presence means everything to this club.

We'll dust ourselves off and look forward to our next assignment. There's plenty of season still ahead, and Saturdays like this often teach us the most about what we need to work on.

Wakehurst came away from Knox with a 29-24 victory on Saturday, in a match that had supporters on both sides thoroughly entertained. It was the kind of game that reminds you why community rugby matters — plenty of tries, genuine intent from everyone involved, and a result that came right down to the final moments.

The tries came thick and fast throughout the afternoon. Andrew Saar, Anthony Knox, Connor Thomson (twice), and Thomas McWilliams all crossed for Wakehurst, with Connor Thomson adding two conversions to give us a 29-point haul. Knox fought hard in response, with tries from Simon Woodcock, Timothy Parker (twice), and Alex Reidy, plus conversions from Karthik Surendra and David Stenning bringing them to 24 points.

What stood out was the quality of effort rather than perfection. Both teams stuck at it, created opportunities, and played rugby that was genuinely worth watching. Wakehurst's forwards laid a solid platform, while Knox's attack caused us real problems, particularly through the middle of the field.

This was the kind of win that means something — not because of where it puts us on the ladder, but because everyone gave what they had. The lads showed good decision-making under pressure, support play was encouraging, and there's plenty to build on from here.

A big thank you to Knox for a well-organised game and some genuine rugby. Thanks too to our families and supporters who made the trip to the Northern Beaches and created a great atmosphere. These moments — the drive over, the shared experience, seeing mates play hard and fair — they're what Wakehurst is built on.

Next week brings another opportunity. We'll take the positives from Saturday, work through the areas that need sharpening, and look forward to getting back on the paddock.

It was another tough day at the office for our 1st XV as we travelled to Knox on Friday night, ultimately going down 46–14 in a match that tested our character from start to finish.

Despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. Our forwards worked hard in difficult conditions, and our backline showed moments of real promise as the game unfolded.

Cooper Bowyer opened our account with a try early in the piece, showing the kind of energy and commitment we've come to expect from our hooker. Frederick Bown then crossed for our second try, and Jimmy McLafferty converted both efforts to keep us competitive through the middle stages.

Knox proved too strong on the night, taking their opportunities and building a commanding lead. It's a reminder that consistency at this level requires every player to be at their best every weekend—something we'll be working on at training this week.

Zac Mercer spent time in the sin bin, which certainly disrupted our flow during one patch of the match. These moments are part of rugby, and they're good learning opportunities for the lads.

What we respect most about our team is their willingness to keep fighting, even when the scoreboard gets away from us. That resilience is something that will serve us well as we move through the season.

Thanks to everyone who travelled to support the boys on the road. Your presence means more than you know. Next week we're back at home, and we'll be looking to show the Northern Beaches community what we're capable of when everything clicks.

Full team lineups and match stats are available on Rugby Net. Well done to all involved.

Sundays Warringah Rats U12 grading day delivered wonderful news for Wakehurst Rugby Club. When the final selections were announced, all nine of our young players had made the grade—a perfect result that speaks volumes about the quality of our junior program.

Out of 64 players who trialled across the district, 46 earned selection. Our Wakehurst contingent didn't just make the cut; they filled spots right across the squad. Nash earned selection in the top team, while Will, Ed, Jim, Luke, Oli, Johnny, Rory, and Eli all secured places in the Development Squad.

It's a remarkable achievement and one we're genuinely proud of. But more than the numbers, it's what this result represents. It shows that the hard work our players put in week after week on the training paddock is recognised. It shows that our coaches—whether they're out there on Saturday mornings or working with our junior grades—are making a real difference. And it shows that rugby at Wakehurst isn't just about playing the game; it's about developing young people who understand teamwork, resilience, and mateship.

A huge congratulations to Nash, Will, Ed, Jim, Luke, Oli, Johnny, Rory, and Eli. You've done yourselves and the club proud. To our coaches and volunteers who've supported these boys—thank you. You've helped build a pathway that works.

This is what community rugby is all about. It's not always about winning on the scoreboard (though we love that too). It's about giving our young people the chance to grow, to learn, and to discover what they're capable of. Days like this remind us why we do what we do at Wakehurst.

Well done, fellas. We can't wait to see what you achieve next.

Seventy-five players across nine teams. That is the Wakehurst Minis in 2026 -- our Under 6, Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 groups -- and the numbers tell a story. Of those 75 players, 34 are brand new to Wakehurst this season. In Under 6, eleven of our sixteen players are new. In Under 7, twelve of our twenty-four players are new. Almost every one of them was referred by someone already in the club -- a friend, a sibling, a parent who spoke to another parent on the sideline. That is not an accident. It is what happens when a community club gets the basics right: welcoming coaches, good organisation, and families who enjoy being here enough to tell their friends. Our Minis section is growing because our families are our best recruiters. If your child plays at Wakehurst and you know a family who might be interested, the best thing you can do is invite them along to a training session. We will take it from there. All nine Minis teams train on Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm at Wakehurst Rugby Park. Game day is Sunday. Contact VP Minis Peter Sharpe at vp-minis@wakehurst.rugby with any questions. Under 6: 16 players, 2 teams Under 7: 24 players, 3 teams Under 8: 12 players, 2 teams Under 9: 23 players, 2 teams

The 2026 NSW Subbies Division 3 draw has been finalised and the Wakehurst 1st XV and Reserve XV are ready to go. This season we continue our joint venture with Old Barker Old Boys -- two clubs combining for a stronger, more competitive squad. We have four home games at Wakehurst Rugby Park this season. With fewer home games than in previous years, each Saturday at home carries more weight -- for the result, for the club's finances, and for the atmosphere that our players deserve. Bar and BBQ will be running at every home game. We will also be running 50/50 raffles. Junior families -- we want you at the home games. Bring your kids, bring your friends. Entry is free. Watching the 1st XV play at Waldon Road on a Saturday afternoon is what community rugby looks like. It is also where your Under 10 today becomes your Under 16 tomorrow. All senior grades -- 1st XV, Reserve XV, and Colts Under 21 -- train on Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm at Wakehurst Rugby Park. Old Barker boys are welcome at our Wednesday sessions too, especially Colts. For fixtures and results, check the Draws page -- all Seniors and Colts results update automatically through the season. Next Seniors meeting: Thursday 16 April, 7:00pm at the Clubhouse. Contact VP Seniors: vp-seniors@wakehurst.rugby

Round 1 is 25 April. If you are a coach or manager at Wakehurst, here is what you need before you can be on the field. Coaches -- mandatory for all grades: Smart Rugby online module (annual -- must be current for 2026) Season Ready 2026 (annual online module) Working With Children Check (current) Managers -- mandatory for all grades: Working With Children Check (current) Concussion and Serious Injury Management Rugby Xplorer Team Manager Program -- if this is not complete, you cannot access the Match Day App. No Match Day App means the team cannot be scored electronically. Per team -- mandatory: One qualified Ground Marshal per team. A missing Ground Marshal is an automatic forfeit -- not a warning, a forfeit. One qualified Assistant Referee. Under 10 to Under 12: AR Kids Rugby U8-U12. Under 13 and above: AR Level 1. All courses are available online at rugbyau.etrainu.com and take approximately one hour. Working With Children Check renewals go through Service NSW. If you are unsure of your status, contact Dani Robinson at registrar@wakehurst.rugby this week. Do not leave it until the morning of 25 April.

In 1966, a group of families in Belrose had a simple idea -- give local kids a place to play rugby. They called it the Belrose Junior Rugby Football Club, charged two dollars a season, and put out three teams. Sixty years later, Wakehurst Rugby Club fields over 200 registered players across Minis, Juniors, Seniors and Colts. We run fifteen junior teams from Under 6 to Under 16. We have a Seniors side competing in NSW Subbies Division 3 in partnership with Old Barker Old Boys. And we have a ground that we built ourselves -- seven years of volunteer labour at the corner of Forest Way and Waldon Road, not a dollar of council money, opened for the season in 1983. Since then: floodlights in 2018. Solar panels in 2022. Full boundary fencing completed in 2025. A grant application in for Universal Facilities change rooms. Plans drawn for The Shed -- a four-bay destination including BBQ deck, canteen, kit room and scrum zone. None of it happened by itself. It happened because families gave their time, their skills, and their Saturday mornings to a club they believed in. This is our 60th year. We will be celebrating all season -- a 60 Faces campaign, a gala dinner, and more to be announced. Watch this page for updates. If you played for Wakehurst at any point -- even decades ago -- we want to hear from you. Reach out at info@wakehurst.rugby. Rugby. Family. Wakehurst.

The Wakehurst 1st XV and Reserve XV have four scheduled home games at Wakehurst Rugby Park in the 2026 Subbies Division 3 season. Four Saturdays. Four chances to fill the hill, run the bar, and show visitors what Wakehurst looks like at home. With fewer home games than in previous seasons, each one carries more financial weight for the club. Bar and BBQ takings from home days make a genuine difference to what we can invest in facilities, junior programs, and equipment. Here is how you can help: Come along. Entry is free. Bring your family, bring your neighbours, bring your kids friends. Buy a raffle ticket. Geoff Benstead will be running 50/50 raffles at every home game. The winner takes half the pool -- the other half stays in the club. Bring the juniors. A senior home game is a great afternoon out at the park. Your Under 8 watching the 1st XV play is a moment they remember. It builds the culture that keeps them playing into their teens and beyond. Spread the word. Share fixtures on social media when they are published. Remind your team group chat the week before. The best marketing for a home game is a parent telling another parent. Home game fixtures will be confirmed and published on the Draws page as the season schedule is finalised. Follow our Facebook page for reminders closer to each game. Questions or ideas for home game day planning: vp-seniors@wakehurst.rugby