2 Jul 2021
The Waratahs Juniors
The Waratahs Junior Rugby Union Club is celebrating more than 80 years in local rugby after their first team took to the field in 1940.
The team all weighed under six stone seven pounds in weight (or 36kgs in today’s world) and it was the start of a memorable eight decades.
President of The Waratahs Juniors, Chris Grieve, said the club intended to celebrate its 80 year history last year (1940 -2020) but COVID-19 restrictions meant a postponement of activities.
“Instead, we held a delayed 80th Anniversary Luncheon a few weeks ago which was well attended by past and present players, many being former juniors of The Tahs,” said Chris.
He said The Waratahs Juniors have produced 10 Australian and 15 NSW junior representatives since 1940, some of whom have gained full national senior honours. These players include mercurial half-back, John Hipwell (1968-81), and Dom Vaughan (1982-83), also a half back.
Chris said the Juniors were currently rebuilding teams and had an enthusiastic group of players supported by a hard-working committee and parents.
“We currently have an in-house Tiny Tahs program for boys and girls in the Kindergarten to Year 2 age bracket who play at Waratah Oval every Saturday morning while Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s and an Under 13 girls team are playing for The Tahs,” added Chris.
“And in some good news – one of our players, young Sam Mauli, has just been selected in the Hunter Junior Wildfires Under 11 Development Squad to play in the State titles in September.”
The Waratahs have also recently announced a new club major sponsor as it kicks off the second half of the 2021 season and looks forward to junior rugby in 2022.
Churchill’s Carpet Court Flooring Centre has just signed on as new sponsor for the next 18 months.
“It’s terrific news for the club and for the young teams that are playing for The Waratahs,” said Chris.
“Paul Murphy (OAM) as Managing Director of Churchill’s has had a long association with The Waratahs as a player, administrator and supporter and his assistance for the junior section of the club is very much appreciated.
“The sponsorship will allow the club to continue with confidence for the remainder of 2021 – but plan for the long term as the 2022 season follows shortly after the current season with pre-season training and early trial games.”
Paul Murphy said The Waratahs and Churchill’s based in Tudor Street, Hamilton both have a long involvement with the local community and it’s a fitting combination as sport plays such a significant role in Newcastle.
