List of rugby union clubs in Australia
List of rugby union clubs in Australia | |
---|---|
Governing body | Rugby Australia |
First played | 25 July 1839,[1] Sydney, New South Wales |
Registered players | 82,818 (total) 38,010 (adult)[2] |
Clubs | 848 |
Club competitions | |
Audience records | |
Single match | 109,874 Australia v New Zealand, (Telstra Stadium) 15 July 2000 |
The highest level of provincial rugby union in Australia is Super Rugby. There are five Australian teams in this competition, which also features teams from New Zealand and Fiji.
Australia currently has no national club competition. The first attempt at such a competition, the Australian Rugby Championship, was launched in 2007 with eight teams, but lasted only one season before the nation's governing body, the Australian Rugby Union (now Rugby Australia), decided to discontinue the competition due to financial losses. The second and most recent attempt at forming a national domestic league, the National Rugby Championship, was launched in 2014 with nine teams and lasted six years until it was disbanded in 2020. The current top level competitions in Australia are the Shute Shield in Sydney and the Queensland Premier League in Brisbane. Numerous club and representative competitions serve the rugby playing community below these two competitions.
Super Rugby
National Competitions
National Rugby Championship
The National Rugby Championship (2014−2020) was a former annual competition held between professional teams from each state.
- Brisbane City
- Canberra Vikings
- Melbourne Rising
- New South Wales Country Eagles
- Western Force
- Queensland Country
- Sydney Rays
Former:
- Sydney Stars (2014–2015)
- Perth Spirit (2014–2017)
- Greater Sydney Rams (2014–2017)
Australian Rugby Shield/NRC Division 2
The Australian Rugby Shield (2000-2008) and NRC Division 2 (2018-2020) were former annual competitions held between amateur representative teams from each state.
- ACT & Southern NSW Vikings (only in Australian Rugby Shield)
- Adelaide Black Falcons
- Northern Territory Mosquitoes
- Victoria Country Barbarians (formerly Melbourne Axemen)
- New South Wales Country Cockatoos
- Perth Gold
- Queensland Country Heelers
- Tasmania Jack Jumpers
New South Wales and ACT
New South Wales Rugby Union
Shute Shield
- Eastern Suburbs
- Eastwood
- Gordon
- Hunter Wildfires
- Manly
- Northern Suburbs
- Parramatta
- Randwick
- Southern Districts
- Sydney University
- Warringah
- West Harbour
Former:
New South Wales Country Rugby Union
Central Coast Rugby Union
- Avoca Beach
- Gosford
- Kariong
- Northlakes United
- Ourimbah Razorbacks
- Southern Lakes
- Terrigal
- The Entrance
- Warnervale
- Woy Woy
Central Northern Rugby Union
- Barraba Rams & Gwydir River Rats
- Gunnedah Red Devils
- Inverell Highlanders
- Moree Weebolla Bulls
- Narrabri Blue Boars
- Quirindi Lions
- Scone Brumbies
- Tamworth Pirates
- Walcha Rams
Former:
- Tamworth Magpies
- Croppa Creek Crows
Central West Rugby Union
- Bathurst Bulldogs
- Bathurst City
- Blayney
- Canowindra Pythons
- Coolah
- Coonabarabran Kookaburras
- Cowra Eagles
- CSU - Bathurst
- Cudal Cobras
- Dubbo Kangaroos
- Dubbo Rhinos
- Forbes Platypi
- Geurie Goats Rugby Club
- Molong Magpies
- Mudgee Wombats
- Narromine Gorillas
- Orange City
- Orange Emus
- Orange Waratahs
- Parkes Boars
- Trangie Tigers
- USO - Orange
- Wellington Redbacks
- Yeoval
Former:
- Blackheath Wildfires
- Cudal
- Lithgow Devils
- Oberon
- Rydal Razorbacks
Far North Coast Rugby Union
- Ballina
- Bangalow
- Byron Bay
- Casino
- Casuarina
- Evans River
- Iluka
- Kyogle
- Lennox Head
- Lismore
- Mullumbimby
- Murwillumbah
- Richmond Range
- Southern Cross University
- Wollongbar/Alstonville
- Woolgoolga Whitepointers
- Yamba
Far South Coast Rugby Union
This union is officially affiliated with the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union instead of the NSW union.
- Batemans Bay
- Braidwood
- Broulee
- Sharks
- Ulladulla
- Vincentia
Illawarra Rugby Union
- Albion Park
- Avondale
- Bowral
- Bundanoon
- Camden Rams
- Lions Rugby
- Kiama
- Shamrocks
- Shoalhaven
- Tech Waratahs
- University
- Vikings
- Wollondilly
Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union
- Coffs Harbour Snappers and Marlins
- Hastings Valley Vikings
- Kempsey Cannonballs
- Port Macquarie Pirates
- Bowraville Goannas
- Bishop-Druit College Coffs Harbour Barracudas
Former:
- Wauchope Thunder
- Urunga-Bellinger valley rugby club
- Nambucca River Breakers R.U.F.C
New England Rugby Union
- Glen Innes
- Robb Rugby Club
- St Albert's College
- The Armidale Rugby Club (Blues)
- Guyra Ghosts
- Barbarians R.U.F.C.
- Wright College Redmen
- Tamworth
Former:
- Armidale City
- Armidale Old Boys
- City United
- Earle Page College
- Guy Fawkes Ebor
- Gwydir River Rats
- Hillgrove
- Page-Wright Barbarians
- Teachers College
- Tenterfield Bumblebees
- University College
- United Colleges
- Uralla Miners
- Walcha Rams
City-United Historical note: During the 1994 pre-season, it became clear that neither United nor Armidale City would have enough players to field four grades or be competitive. Given that quite a few of City's squad were former United players, NERU Secretary and former United President Dick Croft encouraged the two clubs to join forces, and City United was born. The new club competed strongly for the next eight years before merging with Armidale Old Boys for the 2002 season. This resulted in the new Armidale Blues Rugby Club, which combines the history and tradition of City, the professionalism and competitiveness of Old Boys, and the spirit and student depth of United.
Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union
- Singleton
- Nelson Bay
- Waratahs
- Wanderers
- Merewether Carlton Rugby Club
- Hamilton Hawks
- University
- Maitland
- Lake Macquarie
- Southern Beaches
- Muswellbrook
- Pokolbin
- Southern Lakes
- Griffins
Southern Inland
This union is also affiliated with the ACT union instead of a NSW body.
Western Plains Rugby Union
- Bourke Rams
- Brewarrina Brumbies
- Cobar Camels
- Coonamble Rams
- Gulargambone Galahs
- Bogan Bulls (Nyngan)
- Walgett Rams
- Warren Pumas
New South Wales Suburban Rugby Union
First Division
Second Division
- Barker Old Boys
- Blue Mountains
- Forest
- Hills
- Hunters Hill
- Newport
- University of New South Wales Rugby union Club
- Waverley
Third Division
- Beecroft
- Brothers
- Epping
- Hawkesbury Valley
- Kings Old Boys
- Oatley
- Old Ignatians
- Redfield Old Boys
- St Ives
- UWS Hawkesbury
Fourth Division
- Blacktown
- Briars
- Canterbury
- Colleagues Convicts
- Macquarie Uni
- Rouse Hill
- Sydney Harlequins
- Sydney Irish
Fifth Division
- not contested
Sixth Division
South-East
- Alexandria
- Engadine
- Burraneer
- Clovelly
- Fairvale/Lansvale
- Maccabi
- Menai
- Wollondilly
Australian Capital Territory (including areas of southern New South Wales)
ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union
ACTRU Premier Division
- Easts
- Gungahlin Eagles
- Queanbeyan Whites
- Canberra Royals
- Tuggeranong Vikings
- Uni-Norths Owls
- Wests Lions
The following teams compete in first and second division competitions
- Boorowa Rugby Club
- Bungendore RUFC
- Cooma Rugby Club
- Crookwell Rugby Club
- Defence Academy Rugby Club
- Goulburn Rugby Union
- Hall Rugby Club
- Harden RUFC
- Jindabyne Rugby Club
- RMC Rugby Club
- Taralga RUFC
- Yass RUFC
South Coast Zone
- Batemans Bay RUFC
- Bega Valley RUFC
- Bermagui-Cobargo Sharks RC
- Bombala Rugby Club
- Braidwood RUFC
- Broulee Dolphins RUFC
- Milton Rugby Club
- Narooma & Districts Whales RC
Southern Inland Zone
- Albury-Wodonga RUFC
- Cootamundra RUFC
- Denilquin Drovers
- Grenfell Rugby Club
- Griffith RUFC
- Hay Cutters
- Leeton Phantoms RUFC
- Rivcoll Red RUFC
- Temora RUFC
- Tumut RUFC
- Wagga Agricultural College RUFC
- Wagga City RUFC
- Wagga Wagga Crows Junior Rugby Union
- Wagga Waratahs RUFC
- West Wyalong Junior Rugby Union
- Young RUFC
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Rugby Union
Darwin Club Rugby
'A' & 'B' grade competition:
- Casuarina Cougars
- Darwin Dragons
- Palmerston Crocs
- South Darwin Rabbitohs
- Swampdogs
- University Pirates
Central Australian Rugby Union
Katherine Rugby Union
- Barbarians Rugby Union Football Club
- Brahmans Rugby Union Football Club
- Pirates Rugby Union Football Club
- Tindal Lions Rugby Union Football Club
Other teams
East Arnhem Rugby runs a junior rugby competition between April and August. While not part of a regular competition, East Arnhem Rugby provides competition for Senior Players by entering in 7's Tournaments.[3]
Queensland
Queensland Rugby Union
Queensland Premier Rugby
- Brothers Old Boys
- Easts Tigers Rugby Union
- Bond University Rugby Club
- GPS
- North Brisbane Rugby Club
- Souths
- Sunnybank Rugby Union Club
- University of Queensland Rugby Club
- Wests
Queensland Country Rugby Union
Bundaberg and District Rugby Union
Cairns and District Rugby Union
- Barron-Trinity Bulls
- Brothers Rugby Union (Cairns)
- Cairns Old Crocs Rugby Union
- Cairns Wanderers
- Innisfail & District Rugby
- JCU Mariners
- Port Douglas Rugby Union
- Southside Crusaders Sports & Culture
- Tablelands Rugby
Central Highlands Rugby Union
Central Queensland Rugby Union
- Biloela Rugby
- Blackwater Rugby
- Brothers Rugby Union (Rockhampton)
- Capricorn Coast Rugby
- Colts Rugby Club
- Dawson Valley Rugby Club
- Frenchville Pioneers
- Gladstone Rugby Club
- Mount Morgan Rugby
- Rockhampton Boars
- University Central Queensland Rugby
Darling Downs Rugby Union
- Condamine Rugby Union
- Dalby and District Rugby Union Football Club
- Goondiwindi Rugby
- Highfields Redbacks Rugby Union
- Roma Rugby Union
- South Burnett Rugby
- St George & District Rugby
- Toowoomba Bears Rugby
- Toowoomba Rangers Rugby
- University Of Southern Queensland Rugby
- Warwick & Districts Rugby
Mackay District Rugby Union
- Bowen Rugby
- Brothers Rugby Union (Mackay)
- City Rugby Club (Mackay)
- Kuttabul Rugby
- Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union
- Slade Point Rugby
Mt Isa Rugby Union
Gold Coast District Rugby Union
- Beaudesert Rugby Football Club
- Bond University Rugby Club
- Bond Pirates Rugby Club
- Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Colleges Rugby Club
- Coolangatta Tweed Barbarians
- Coomera Crushers RU
- Gold Coast Eagles
- Griffith University Colleges Knights Rugby Union Club
- Helensvale Hogs RUC
- Hinterland Celtics Rugby Club
- Nerang Bulls RUC
- Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators RUC
- Surfers Paradise Dolphins
- Tamborine Mountain Rugby
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union
- Caboolture Rugby Union
- Caloundra Rugby Union
- Fraser Coast Rugby Union
- Gympie Rugby Union
- Maroochydore Rugby Union
- Nambour Rugby Union
- Noosa District Rugby Union
- University of the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union
Townsville and Districts Rugby Union
- Brothers Rugby Union (Townsville)
- Burdekin Rugby Union
- Charters Towers Rugby Union
- Ingham Rugby Union
- James Cook University of North Queensland Rugby Union
- North Ward Old Boys Rugby
- Ross River Redskins
- Teachers West Rugby Union
- Western Suburbs Rugby Union
Western Queensland Rugby Union
Queensland Suburban Rugby Union
List does not include Queensland Premier Rugby clubs that also field teams in the Suburban competitions.
- Ag Vet Rugby Union
- Beenleigh and District Rugby Union
- Brisbane Irish Rugby Football Club
- Easts Longhorns Rugby Union
- Everton Park Rugby Union
- Goodna Rugby Union
- Ipswich Rangers Rugby Club
- Logan City Rugby Union
- Med XV Rugby Union
- Nerang Rugby Union
- Pine Rivers Boars Rugby Union
- Pine Rivers Pumas Rugby Union
- Redcliffe Rugby Union
- Redlands Rugby Union
- Riverside Rugby Union Club
- Southern Bay Rugby Union
- Springfield Rugby Union
- St Leo's College Old Boys Rugby Union
- TC Beirne School of Law Rugby Union
- UQ - Gatton Rugby Union
- Wynnum Rugby Union Club
South Australia
Rugby Union South Australia
SA Club Rugby
- Adelaide University RUFC
- Barossa Rams RUFC
- Brighton RUFC
- Burnside RUFC
- Elizabeth RUFC
- North East Districts RUFC
- North Torrens RUFC
- Old Collegians Rugby Club
- Onkaparinga RUFC
- Port Adelaide RUFC
- Souths Suburbs RUFC
- Woodville RUFC
Tasmania
Tasmanian Rugby Union
- Australian Maritime College Rugby Union Club
- Burnie Emus
- Devonport Bulls
- Eastern Suburbs Roosters
- Glenorchy Stags
- Hobart Harlequins
- Hobart Lions
- Launceston Bees
- Taroona Blues
- University of Tasmania Redmen
Victoria
Rugby Victoria
- Victorian Club Rugby
- Ballarat Rugby Union Football Club
- Bendigo Rugby Club
- Border Army RUFC
- Boroondara RUFC
- Box Hill Rugby Club
- Cerberus RUFC
- Cobram Rugby Union Club
- Deniliquin RUFC
- Echuca Moama Barbarians
- Eltham Rugby Club
- Endeavour Hills Rugby Club
- Footscray Rugby Club
- Geelong Rugby Club
- Harlequin Rugby Club
- Maroondah RUFC
- Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club
- Melbourne University Rugby Football Club
- Melton Rugby Club
- Monash University Rugby Club
- Moorabbin Rugby Club
- Northern Rugby Club
- Power House Rugby Club
- Puckapunyal Rugby Club
- Shepparton Rugby Union Club
- Southern Districts RUFC
- Warrnambool Plovers Rugby Union Club
- Wyndham City Rhinos RUC
Western Australia
Rugby Western Australia
RugbyWA Competition
- Arks Rugby Club
- Associates Rugby Club
- Bunbury Rugby Club
- Cottesloe Rugby Club
- Curtin University Rugby Union Football Club
- Joondalup Brothers RUFC
- Kalamunda Rugby Club
- Mandurah Rugby Club
- North Coast Rugby Union
- Midland Hills Rugby Club
- Nedlands Rugby Club
- Palmyra Rugby Club
- Perth Bayswater Rugby Club
- Rockingham Rugby Club
- Southern Lions RUFC
- University of Western Australia RUFC
- Wanneroo Rugby Club
- Wests Subiaco RUFC
WA Country RU
Eastern Goldfields WA Competition
- Boulder RUFC
- Bushwackers RUFC
- Esperance RUFC
- Kalgoorlie Stormers Rugby Club
- Kambalda RUFC
Great Southern Rugby Union
- Albany RUFC
- Denmark Brothers RC
- Dryandra-Narrogin RUFC
- Katanning RC
Northern Division RU
- Geraldton Internationals RC
- Paraburdoo RC
South West WA Competition
- Bridgetown RUFC
- Bunbury City RUFC
- Collie RC
- Dunsborough RUFC
- Leeuwin-Margaret River RUFC
Other teams
See also
- List of cricket clubs in Australia
- List of rowing clubs in Australia
- List of yacht clubs in Australia
- List of Australian rugby union stadiums by capacity
- List of Australian club rugby union competitions
References
- ^ "History of the ARU". rugby.com.au. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 4 December 2006.
- ^ International Rugby Board Website:http://www.irb.com/unions/union=11000007/index.html Archived 2012-02-16 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "| NT Rugby".