The Club was formed in 1933 and was originally the brainchild of five individuals. Ewen Pizzey, Jim Wishart, Dave Higgins and Harry Kershaw were the original impresarios of the Club.
After the initial administrative processes had been adhered to in complying with NSWRU regulations, Colleagues fielded their first team on the first Saturday in May 1933. This game was played at Lyne Park Rose Bay against Bondi Lifesavers who proved to be too strong for Colleagues defeating the Giants 11-3.
To establish a rugby club during this period would have been a major challenge given that Australia was in the grip of the Great Depression. Despite these challenging economic circumstances, in the following years Colleagues consolidated and expanded and by 1938 were fielding Kentwell, Burke and Whiddon Cup teams. Such was our strength that this translated into our first victory in winning the Club Championship in 1937, and subsequently in 1938 and 39. Undoubtedly part of this success was due to the unifying social and touring nature of the club. Colleagues embarked on a tour to play Duntroon Military College in Canberra (in 1938) which resulted in a 15-11 victory and further united the club in spirit.
With the outbreak of war in 1939, Colleagues realised it would no longer be able to continue as a rugby club and at a special General Meeting on June 6th 1940 the members decided to divert the club funds toward the war effort through the purchase of War Savings Certificates.
The club fielded teams in both Kentwell and Burke Cups in 1940 however had to withdraw from the Burke Cup during the season due to lack of players. However Colleagues won their first Kentwell Cup in 1941.
The war years proved difficult as around 100 Colleagues had enlisted in the armed services and a number courageously gave up their lives in the service of their country. Such was the calibre of several serving Colleagues that numerous servicemen were awarded outstanding bravery medals.
Colleagues re-formed in 1946 and training facilities were made available at Rushcutters Bay Oval. Colleagues met with moderate success on the paddock during the immediate post war period.
In 1948 Colleagues secured Woollahra Number 2 for their training and shared the occupancy of small log cabin with a croquet club for their après training/match functions.
The decade of the 1950’s proved to be one of outstanding success and expansion.
In addition to training lights, Colleagues erected an old flying boat base shed which was transported and assembled and became operational as a clubhouse during the 1957 season at which remains our present site. This proved to be the catalyst for further growth and development.
During this decade Colleagues won the Bruce Graham (Club Championship) Shield 5 times, the Kentwell Cup 4, the Burke Cup 2 and the Whiddon Cup once. This was truly an era of ‘Diamond Cut’ rugby.
‘The Swinging 60’s also proved to be a memorable part of Colleagues energetic and flourishing evolution. The Club Championship was attained 5 times, the Kentwell Cup 4, the Burke Cup 2, the Whiddon Cup once and, in 1966, the Judd Cup (described by one Colleagues luminary as ‘the slowest side ever to play for the club’) established a precedential Grand Final victory.
During the decade of the 70’s Colleagues found themselves under siege from the emerging rugby powers of Lindfield, Petersham and Hunters Hill.
Colleagues were restricted to only 3 Club Championship victories. Club premierships were also scarce with a sole Kentwell Cup and 3 Burke Cup Premierships.
The Colleagues may have resonated with the Australian rock band ‘Skyhooks’ whose lyrics hit the mark when they chirped “ I feel a bit nervous, I feel a bit mad, I feel like a good time that’s never been had, I feel a bit low, Like I learned the right lines but I’m on the wrong show.”
With the onset of the 1980’s a period of rejuvenation characterised the Giants. The Bruce Graham Shield was recaptured 4 times, the Kentwell Cup secured on 3 occasions and the Burke Cup a massive 7 times. Colleagues also won their first Sutherland Cup in 1984.
With the arrival of the 1990’s, Colleagues experienced success twice in the Sutherland Cup with the latter victory in 1996 being part of a ‘Golden year.’ It was in this year that Colleagues also secured the Kentwell, Whiddon and Judd Cups.
1998 proved to be a pivotal year as the Giants, as, for the first time in their history, Colleagues were suspended on the cusp of relegation. Fortunately this was narrowly avoided.
The decade of the 2000’s was highlighted by Club Championship wins in in 2005 and 07, 2 Burke Cup Premierships, 5 Whiddon Cup Premierships, a Judd Cup win, a Sutherland Cup success, our first Noice Cup win, 3 Barbour Cup (Colts) Grand Final victories and 7 Halligan Cup triumphs.
On a sadder note, 2002 proved to be of consequence and sorrow as Colleagues sent a 10 aside team to Bali and a terrorist bombing took place on October 12 2002. This mournful event impacted many Australian lives.
The 2000 era was also significant as the new clubhouse was constructed and Colleagues Convicts admitted. The Convicts have subsequently competed in the Bingham Cup and won 3 Cups, 1 Plate and one Bowl.
In 2011 Colleagues achieved what was possibly the finest result of any Suburban rugby Club with the execution of the Club Championship and a ‘clean sweep’ in all grades from Kentwell to Sutherland inclusive.
The following years of 2012 and 2013 have proven to be a leaner time for Colleagues however we won the Judd and Nicholson Cups in 2012.