FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 1973
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It’s More Than Just a Sport
Rugby is a global game that welcomes everyone - no matter your age, gender, size, or skill level.
It’s a game that develops more than fitness - it develops character. From boosting confidence to instilling self-respect, rugby teaches life’s most valuable lessons: courage, resilience, and the power of unity.
On the field, we’re one team, one family, bound by a shared passion that transcends backgrounds and brings us all together.
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In 1973, Tony Hoy, Nick Thompson, Rory McDowell, and the Blunt brothers founded Orange City Rugby Club. From its formation until today Orange City has been more than just a club - it’s a community.
What began as a bold vision soon transformed into a rugby force, with our inaugural 1st XV taking to the field in 1974, coached by former Wallaby Peter Crittle*. Those early seasons were a test of grit, but the bonds forged by our foundation players laid the groundwork for something much bigger.
Over five decades, we’ve claimed 12 First Grade premierships in the fiercely competitive Central West District Rugby Union. Our other senior and junior grades have also shared in this success, creating a legacy of excellence across all levels.
In 1985, our juniors joined the ranks, and today, many of those players have come full circle, now guiding the next generation as coaches and mentors. It’s this cycle of growth and giving back that keeps our spirit alive.
Our women’s team may be in its early stages, but it’s gaining strength with every season as more women embrace the game and become part of the Orange City family.
At the heart of our club is a spirit of relentless commitment, both on and off the field. Built on mateship, hard work, and family values, we’re proud of the legacy we’ve built—and excited for the future ahead.
* Peter Crittle (21 July 1939 - 28 June 2024) Wallaby #482, President NSWRU 1993-1999, President ARU (now RA) 2001-2005
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Not all clubs are built the same. We’re definitely more than just a club, we’re a community.
At Orange City Rugby Club, we’re all about welcoming everyone, on and off the field. It’s not just about playing the game we love, it’s about coming together as a tight-knit community. Whether it’s sharing a meal after training or celebrating at events like ladies’ day or the annual ball, we make sure there’s always a sense of belonging.
Player safety is a top priority for us. We make sure that there’s always care available at every game, and our volunteers are trained to handle first aid situations when needed. Whether it’s providing support on game day or ensuring our players are looked after throughout the season, we’re committed to keeping everyone healthy and in the best shape possible.
At the heart of it all is our commitment to each other—on the field and beyond.
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A Place for Everyone
At Orange City Rugby Club, we’ve got a team for every age, skill level, and passion for the game.
Our juniors kick off the rugby journey, with teams starting from age 5 through to 17.
For men, whether you love the competitiveness or just love the game, we field three ability based teams from 1st to 3rd grade.
If you’re turning 17 or will be turning 19 after the 1st of January of the calendar year, you’re eligible to join our U19 Colts team.
Our women’s team is growing stronger every season, providing a fantastic environment for women to play at a competitive level. If you’re just looking to stay fit, learn the ropes from scratch, and have fun with mates, we’ve got a place for you too.
The Orange City Club competes in the Central West Rugby Union NSW Competition
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Why Registration Matters
Registering and paying fees is essential to keeping our club running smoothly and ensuring all players are fully supported throughout the season. Player fees cover everything from on-field kit to allowing our teams on the fields for preseason and in-season training sessions and use of all the facilities. They also ensure players are covered by major injury insurance via Rugby Australia and help us meet Central West competition fees, so we can continue competing at the highest level.
Plus, the fees contribute to player safety, providing a trained medical team for senior players and first aid at all home games. By registering, players are not just investing in themselves - they’re helping to support the entire Orange City Rugby community.
For playing fees, registration and assistance please click here
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If you ever heard a roar
Like you never heard before
You’ll know the lions are on the field again.
Be it lineout, ruck or maul
We’re sure to win the ball
And taste the taste of victory once again
We’re the legends Orange n’ Green
The greatest rugby club you’ve seen
We are the rucking lions
A legend of our time
The Orange City Rugby Club are we
We’ve travelled many lands
From New Zealand to Japan
But maybe you should all remember this
We’re rowdy and we’re strong
And we love to sing a song
But we’re really only in it for our mates
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Our life members are the pillars of Orange City Rugby Club, representing decades of dedication, passion, and hard work. Their contributions have shaped the club we know today, and their legacy is woven into every success we achieve. From the sidelines to the boardroom, they’ve given their time and energy to help us grow, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude.
For our current members, these life members are a reminder that the impact we make today lives on tomorrow. Every tackle, every pass, and every moment of service off the field helps build the future of this club. Strive to leave your mark, to make a difference, and to be part of something bigger. By giving your best, you’re not just playing for today, you’re creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Barry Edwards
Charlie Brouwers
Jack Blunt
Ian Barrett
David Brock
Laurie Dunn
Ian Dixon
Steven Stone
Bob Stewart
John Chamberlain
Des Taylor
John Kennedy
Bruce Harris
Mark Sheridan
Mark Merchant
Tony Sullivan
Paul Ryan
Rod McTaggart
Jim Barrett
Geoff Mutton
Kevin Tandy
John Hamling
Fletcher Niven
James Grant
Willie Tremain
Stephen Nell
John Young
Pat Williams
Tim West
John Nunn
Penny Fisher
Marg Young
Andrew Fisher
Mal Cheney
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Barry Edwards (1974-1979, 1982-1985)
Dennis Lourey (1980-1981)
Charlie Brouwers (1986-1990)
Mike Logan (1991-1994)
Tim Sullivan (1995-1997)
Andrew Hill (1998-1999)
David Price (2000-2001)
Chris Kimball (2002)
Colin Tarn (2003-2005)
Steve Stone (2006-2020)
Chris Whittaker (2021-2024)
Darren Wooding (current)
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REPRESENTATIVE PLAYERS
Australia
David Codey (Wallaby 634)
James Grant (Wallaby 667)
NSW Waratahs
David Codey
James Grant
Hunter Ward
NSW Country
Paul McGarva
Bruce Edwards
Doug Grant
James Grant
Bruce Harris
Guy Hannan
David Birch
David Pratten
David Codey
Damien Grant
Mark Hamling
Andrew McCalman
Viv Paasi
Todd Morresey
Josh Tremain
Holly Jones
Fletcher Rose
Shae Mansfield
NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED FOR THE CLUB
100 1st Grade Games
Ian Barrett
Mark Sheridan
Mark O’Connor
Rod Mendham
Doug Grant
Des Taylor
John Kennedy
Alan Devin
Fletcher Niven
Martin McGee
Bruce Harris
Stephen Nell
John Paasi
John Chamberlain
Bruce Edwards
Anthony Sullivan
Time West
David Birch
Greg Chester
John Nunn
Jason Hamling
James Cameron
Chris Barrett
John Gander
Josh Tremain
Nathan Short
Duncan Young
Josh Maley
Mitchell Pearce
Chris Senior
Barton Young
Tom Nell
200 1st Grade Games
John Kennedy
Anthony Sullivan
Josh Tremain
Duncan Young
50 1st Grade Women’s Games
Emily Kennedy
Paige Selton
Holly Jones
200 Club Games
Laurie Dunn
Ian Dixon
Mark Sheridan
David Blunt
Peter Stewart
John Blunt
John Chamberlain
Col Kjoller
Tim West
John Kennedy
Mark Merchant
Fletcher Niven
Dennis Rapley
Anthony Sullivan
Greg Chester
John Paasi
Jason Hamling
Chris Barrett
John Gander
Nicholas Kennedy
Josh Maloy
Mitchell Pearce
Duncan Young
Brad Cleal
Chris Senior
Barton Young
Anthony Kent
Trent Glanville
Josh Tremain
Will Ryan
300 Club Games
Mark Merchant
Anthony Sullivan
Chris Barrett
Duncan Young
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At Orange City Rugby Club, our business partners are more than sponsors - they are the lifeblood of our thriving community.
Their financial support keeps the wheels turning, ensuring the club can maintain facilities, equip our teams, and invest in player development at every level. By aligning themselves with the club, these partners aren’t just backing a rugby community; they’re fostering dreams, from local players taking their first steps onto the field to representatives chasing higher honours. Their contributions help us celebrate player milestones, create memorable game-day experiences, and ensure our juniors and seniors alike can focus on the sport they love.
But it’s about more than just rugby. Supporting Orange City Rugby Club is an investment in the heartbeat of the Orange community. These partnerships enable us to embrace and promote local initiatives, immersing our players, volunteers and supporters in meaningful causes like mental health awareness, domestic violence support, and youth development. By standing with us, business partners become champions of community connection, helping us create a space where sport brings people together, inspires resilience, and cultivates a sense of belonging. Together, we’re building a legacy that’s as much about people as it is about rugby.
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More to come
