Strength in numbersBangalow and Byron Rubgy unite

The beautiful Bangalow sports fields are beginning to buzz with our winter codes’ preseason, and there’s extra excitement building around the new joint venture between the Bangalow and Byron Bay rugby clubs. Both clubs have enjoyed a rich history and a healthy local on-field rivalry for many years and are now combining to represent this area as the Byron Shire Rebels.

Both Bangalow and Byron have faced ongoing challenges in recruiting players and volunteers at the level required to be consistently competitive against the bigger rugby clubs in an increasingly competitive Far North Coast competition. So the hard-working committees, players and supporters from both clubs have embraced the decision to combine forces.

The joint venture builds on the significant growth of junior player numbers over the last few years. It will also allow the new Byron Shire Rebels to field more than 10 teams from under 7’s through to Under 16’s and provide a direct pathway through to representative and senior rugby. Our partnership with the Mullumbimby/

Brunswick Billy Goats Junior Rugby Club will also continue and support junior rugby in the Shire.

Following the Bangalow Rebels’ most successful first-grade season last year after making the grand final, and with the injection of players from the joint venture, there is real hope that the Byron Shire Rebels could add a first-grade premiership cup to the trophy cabinet in 2023. There are also plans for strong teams in the reserve grade and women’s rugby competitions.

This is an exciting year for the sport with the Rugby World Cup hosted by France in September and a grassroots injection from Rugby Australia, so this is a great time to get involved with our wonderful game. Rugby Union is a sport that is not just inclusive but embraces all sizes and body shapes within a healthy team environment. Girls aged 14 and under can play in mixed-gender teams, and women’s rugby for 15-year-olds through to seniors is an exciting area of growth in the region.

The majority of junior training and home games will be at Bangalow, and the senior home games will be split between Byron and Bangalow home grounds. Junior games are played Friday night and Senior games are Saturday afternoon. Junior training will be on Tuesdays or Wednesdays depending on the age group.

If you want to get a taste of some great community sport, get to a home game and cheer on the Byron Shire Rebels in 2023! If you want you or your child to be involved in rugby, then get in touch. Pre-season fitness and touch footy has already started on Tuesdays from 4-5pm at the Bangalow Sports Fields.

Find out more Facebook @byronshirerebelsrugby Instagram @byronbayrugby

Dave Eastwell