Welcome to the first edition of the Old Colleague News for the 2026 season.
Vance Lowry (author of the club’s history Sky Blue Winters) and myself,combining an old blokes perspective on how the seasons going with something from the archives.
Happy to report a great turnout for preseason training and trials against Orange, NSW Uni, Petersham and Mosman. The Colleagues girls (“Blue Birds” as I’ve nicknamed them) have had several hit outs as well and are looking to build on last years successes.
In comp news Newport didn’t make the sizeable jump to the Kentwell Cup and heads back to second division, while foundation club Petersham 4 time Kentwell Cup winners since their foundation in 1883 (One win with a Wallaby to be Charlie Gamble in the back row) comes back up for another crack at the big time.
Looking forward to the big clash Vs Waverley on Anzac Day. A unique date/event for the club and sure to be a memorable day.
See you on the balcony
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
DIARY Note
Long Lunch Friday 12th and the launch of fund raising for the new Club extensions. (Standby for more info)
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The ANZAC Spirit at Colleagues
When Colleagues was established in 1933, it was against the background of a world economic environment of Depression. Our five founding fathers were certainly both determined and resilient considering they were only teenagers at the time.
It was a brave decision to embark on the formation of a rugby club. There were many clubs around Sydney seeking members and all 5 of our foundation members had played Sub-District rugby for other clubs in 1932. Furthermore, the economic environment was certainly not conducive to the forming of a new rugby club.
The Depression had devastating economic impacts on Australia. Record unemployment (32% in 1932), a decline in Gross Domestic Product (-17%), poverty, low profits, deflation, plunging incomes and a subsequent psychological drain in national confidence. It took over a decade to recover from this.
Despite this gloomy economic environment, it was an amazing achievement that Colleagues played their first Whiddon Cup game at Lyne Park, Rose Bay on Saturday May 9th 1933 (and were defeated by Bondi Lifesavers 11-3). By 1935 Colleagues fielded three teams in Whiddon, Bourke and Kentwell Cups. This wave of success was continued and translated into securing the Club Championship in 1938 and 1939.
While it is only conjecture, perhaps there was a twofold positive impact for all Subbies Clubs at this time. The Depression, as with COVID, precipitated the need to have some outlet which provided enjoyment to lift one’s spirits. Furthermore, the growth of District Clubs required the more serious commitment to 2 nights per week training. Suburban Clubs suited many time-poor prospective recruits who were looking for employment, may have families, or who had other responsibilities. Only 1 night per week training with Subbies was appealing.
Australia joined World War 2 on Sept 3 1939 following the Government’s acceptance of the United Kingdom’s declaration of war on Nazi Germany. Almost 1 million Australians, both men and women served in World War 2.
With the outbreak of war, Colleagues realized that they would no longer be able to continue as a normal rugby club and a special Emergency Meeting was held at Rushcutters Bay Oval on June 6th 1940. 31 members attended with the main agenda item being the disposition of club funds/assets. The decision was made to donate 100 pounds toward the war effort.
At an AGM on April 9th 1941, the Club Secretary announced that the club had just over 100 members serving in the armed forces.
At home, a skeleton crew of Colleagues continued to play in a smaller reformatted competition in 1940/41 winning both the Kentwell Cup and Club Championship in 1941.
Eventually the drain of numbers, through enlistments, took their toll and resulted in the suspension of the Sub-District Competition in 1942.
Colleagues re-united in 1946 and the 11th AGM was held on the 28th March 1946. It was announced that, in fact, 140 brave Colleagues had enlisted. Tragically 5 had sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. Seven had been captured as POW’S but returned reasonably healthy. No less than 18 were decorated for distinguished service.
Given the enforced break of the war, this AGM was very well attended. The resonance of the Club name Colleagues had been most appropriate: ‘We’re all in this together.’ Furthermore, Members had faithfully served their country, embracing the ANZAC spirit, and then re-united after the war; they proved they had (and still have) a commonality of purpose.
Vance Lowry (author Sky Blue Winters).
ANZAC Day Edition April 2026.