Celebrating history: Rubgy News and chronicling a century of Rugby in Australia

Thu, Dec 15, 2022, 7:42 AM
Nathan Williamson


The history of Rugby is boundless, sweeping through clubs, states and across the country.

With that comes plenty of stories that get past down from generation to generation that may be lost.

This has been the plight of Rugby News for the past three years, archiving and documenting a century of programs and stories to celebrate their 100th anniversary

The organisation worked with legendary Rugby writer Norman Tasker amongst others to formulate the collection and help tell stories decade-by-decade as part of a coffee book and archive they have put together surrounding the collection.

“It’s been a long and arduous journey but now it’s done we’re really excited to use the archive and the history of Australian Rugby to help generate interest in the sport heading forward," Sam Ryan from RugbyNews said.

“It’s the history of the sport and the game in the country and there were a lot of people actively involved that are very interested in the game.

“…It’s been really exciting to bring it all together and we’ve seen the reaction from the older generation has been especially incredibly positive."

The book details the early history of club Rugby and the Wallabies, leading through the war periods and beyond.

“I think it’s the competitive advantage Rugby has over the rest of the codes in Australia is that connection and structure to club Rugby and where it ties into colts through the grade and all the way to the Wallabies

“That’s something that has bene consistent since the 1900s all the way until today.

“The fact we not only have that history but it still exists is pretty cool and something worth looking back and learning from.”

The archive is published online, free to access for all Rugby fans with the book available to purchase

https://rugbynews.net.au/store/100-Y...ook-p477034967


https://www.rugby.com.au/news/celebr...ralia-20221214