Season 2025 – Christmas Update

In the middle of summer, the winter sports season seems like a million miles away. But time stops for no person, and pre-season preparations are a constant. And given Season 2026 is our 80th year as a club, we’ve got a lot of work to make it a memorable one. So, a quick update on the latest news.

RUGBY

We’re looking at fielding a seniors, colts and women’s team so we need everyone to have a word in the ear of anyone you know to pull on the boots for Season 2026. Pre-Christmas drinks and post-Christmas holidays are perfect times to extol the virtues of brothers Rugby and bring new, or encourage returning players to the fold. Free pre-season fitness training with Adam Pisano starts on Wednesday 28 January at Roseville Chase Oval. Further details closer to the date.

BASKETBALL

Things are looking positive for a revival of Brothers basketball in 2026. Under the tutelage of Bernadette Brannan, we’re looking at starting with a mixed team to play at North Sydney on Tuesday nights from February next year. Those who are keen to play some hoops contact me at president@brothersrugby.com.au, and I’ll put you in contact with Bernadette.

CRICKET

Yes, cricket! We have been toying with the idea of restarting cricket as part of the club’s offerings, but then a one-off opportunity has presented itself. We have been asked to put in a team for a 20:20 gala day run by the venerable NSW Churches Cricket League. The date is 24 January 2026, location TBA. No age or standard limits, so a good chance to get some mates or family members out for a one-off run. Some of this year’s Colts have already put their hands up to play, but they will need some adult supervision. Anyone interested in playing with, and/or managing the team, let me know ASAP at president@brothersrugby.com.au

FUNDING

We need sponsors, particularly for our four educational scholarships. The sponsorship rights cost $1500 per scholarship, and you get naming rights, a ticket to Brothers in the City, and the opportunity to award the scholarship. Good for a group or company’s profile, good for photos for the person’s or organisation’s social media, and good for the community. Potential sponsors, please contact president@brothersrugby.com.au

I’m also happy to report that we were recently awarded a $2,000 Hyecorp Community Grant after our successful application. The money will be used to outfit our new basketball team with Brothers basketball playing gear, and top up our women’s rugby playing gear stocks for next season.

COMMITTEE SPOT

We’re always looking for new committee members or volunteers, so feel free to contact us for either position. In particular, we need a new club secretary as our loyal and long-serving (and suffering) secretary, Tristan Howes, has had to pull the pin. The club is tremendously grateful for all his efforts as both a player and a committee member, and we’ll see him from time to time at club events, I’m sure. So, anyone with a desire to maintain contact with the club, who is fairly organised and able to attend monthly online committee meetings, we would love to hear from you. Please email EOI to president@brothersrugby.com.au

From the committee to all the players, volunteers, supporters, parents, partners, and significant others, we wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and hope to see everyone back, with new players as well, at Roseville Chase Oval in 2026.