Excitement Builds as Rugby Season Approaches: A Message from Our President
As we gear up for another thrilling season of Shute Shield Premier club rugby, there's an undeniable buzz in the air at our Southern Districts. With the opening round of the competition this weekend, anticipation is high and spirits are soaring.
Our Sponsors
First and foremost I’d like to acknowledge the incredible support of our major sponsors once again in 2024.
Our long-standing major sponsor Kryfix is back again, and we cannot thank Aaran Duncan enough for his support as a sponsor and great friend of the club.
I'm delighted to announce that Hairyman Brewery are back as a major sponsor this season, with the best beers in rugby flowing on tap and in cans around the grounds once again at Fortress Forshaw. It's one of the cornerstones of our terrific matchday experience and we're grateful to Andy and Joan for their continued support.
BRIX Distillers are again across the grounds this season with their terrific range of pre-mixed cocktails - and why not take advantage of our BRIX Box Seat viewing platform. It’s perfect for an afternoon with up to 20 of your family and friends.
Among our new sponsors, I'm particularly excited to welcome In Control Automation - specialists in top-end home control systems, and BYD Automotive Sutherland - leading the charge in affordable EVs that are outselling the competition four to one. Both of these businesses are on board in support of the club’s Women’s XV program.
Welcome also to Christian Payne from Gibson Partners, the South’s leading real estate operators, and Pirtek Mascot who also join us in 2024.
Stay tuned for updates as we have a number of extra new club sponsorships to unveil in the coming week or two. We still have Sponsorship packages available to suit almost any level of investment, so please feel free to have a conversation with myself or Grant Skelton, to see what we can do for your business.
Our Rugby
When I’ve been asked how we will go in 2024 I immediately answer “better”. Now that shouldn’t be too much of an ask given the results over the last few seasons, but with one of the Club’s Favourite Sons Joe Barakat back in charge, I have every confidence in that reply.
Joe has made a major impact in the off season, bringing back the traditional hard edge of Southern Districts rugby combined with a palpable joy for the game.
Our recruitment efforts have been meticulous, focussed on complementing our talented locals with a small number of very specifically targeted positions. I'm thrilled with the calibre of talent we've assembled across all Grades and Colts.
The only disappointment to come to grips with is the fact that we will not be fielding a 4th Grade side in 2024. This has been a difficult reality to face, and we came very close – but decided in the interests of player safety and enjoyment to focus on three very competitive sides for this season.
Our superb 4ths of the past few seasons has been the highlight of the club with regular final series appearances, but the group has been hit with some significant injuries bringing forward the retirement of a number of the core senior players.
The great news is that we have a very large and strong contingent of Colts graduating to Grade in 2025, so this situation will be very short-lived. And our Colts numbers are looking strong with three sides in 2024, followed on by several older local age group junior club teams already starting to work with the club in preparation for the 2025 season.
Our Colts have been building steadily for the last 3 seasons under Head Coach George Gargoulakis, starting as a very young group who are now maturing into a hardened bunch who are set to shake up the competition in 2024. Keep an eye on them!
Given the concentration of talent in our three Grade sides I fully expect much more competitive matches across all grades throughout the season. Don’t be surprised to see players who start in 3s early in the season pushing for 1st Grade spots as the season progresses.
Our Game Day Experience
Make no mistake, this year's home games are not to be missed. Our first standout event is this Saturday’s Round 1 clash with Warringah featuring minis from across Sydney, followed by Colts and Grade teams all competing on home turf at Forshaw Rugby Park. It's Community and Junior's Day, and we extend a special invitation to all local clubs and the community to join us for what promises to be a spectacle of rugby and entertainment.
Please ensure you have our fixture list prominently displayed on your fridge for all nine home games this season. Let's come together and make each Saturday afternoon a memorable extravaganza of rugby, community, and camaraderie.
As the season progresses we will be hosting the first ever Southern Districts Rebelettes XV competing in the Premier Sydney Women’s Rugby competition. Head Coach Junior Ta’ale has assembled a formidable group of almost 40 players, who have been working hard to put the club’s best foot forward as the season starts.
Keep an eye out for the draw dates, and know that we will be having the girls play at Forshaw along with the boys whenever possible – adding even more to the legendary Rebels Game Day experience!
Our New Corporate Hospitality
There’s something new in 2024 with single tickets and groups of up to 12 people able to partake in some all-inclusive hospitality at every home game.
These are extremely good value hospitality packages which are available at each home game – you can read more about them here.
Reach out to Grant Skelton to make a booking.
Our Upcoming Events
Do not forget our major annual event, the eagerly anticipated Club Lunch on Friday May 31st.
We're counting on your generous support to make it a resounding success. Event and function spaces are ready and waiting for you and your friends & colleagues. The lunch is always a fantastic day, so be sure to get in early to lock in your table.
Our Club
As the 2024 season starts it is a good time to reflect on why this club means so much to so many people.
Yes we have had a difficult few seasons.
And yet this has served to draw our community closer.
Now is the time to re-affirm our commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the field, in whatever ways we each can as part of Southern Districts. Whether that is spending a few hours helping out as a volunteer, or throwing in a few bob as a sponsor, it all contributes.
What I know is that if you are reading this then you share the Club’s values of sportsmanship and community. And you love good, hard, rugby.
Come down, show your colours, and be part of something special at the Rebels from this weekend onwards.
Here's to a fantastic season ahead.
Go the Rebels!
Brad
