News

Rising Regional Rugby Talent showcased at Tamworth Rugby Park

NSW Country Rugby Union called on players born in 2008 or 2009 to take part in the selection trials, with the trial day showcasing some of the best emerging rugby talent from regional areas across the state.

Hosted at the Tamworth Rugby Club, the trials brought together players, coaches, and families from all corners of regional NSW showcasing the depth of regional rugby. Including strong representation from local players representing Farrer Agricultural Memorial High School and Calrossy Anglican School, along with talented Club players from across the Northwest region. The event also drew many supportive mothers who spent Mother’s Day on the sidelines cheering on their sons.

Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club First Grade Captain, Committee Member and 2025 Senior NSW Country representative Blake Clout said the club was proud to receive such positive feedback about the facilities and hospitality throughout the event.

Clout said visiting families enjoyed the atmosphere from the balcony, while the elevated viewing area also provided coaches and selectors with an ideal vantage point to assess the very high standard of junior rugby and skills on display.

The selected squad will continue preparations later this year ahead of the NSW Country Championships.

Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club, wishes all players the very best of luck as selections continue.

3 – Sponsors Day Match Report.

It was another fantastic day in the sunshine at Tamworth Rugby Park on Saturday as we celebrated Sponsors Day, welcoming over 100 sponsors and their guests for a sit‑down luncheon in the Clubhouse. We were also pleased to host our honorary life members and volunteers from our 2026 Charity Partner, Ronald McDonald House.

This was an opportunity to recognise and sincerely thank our sponsors. Their support is not just appreciated, it is absolutely vital to the success and sustainability of our club.

Community sport does not run on passion alone. It relies on people and businesses who are willing to step forward and invest in something bigger than themselves. Because of their generosity, we are able to provide opportunities for players of all ages, maintain our facilities, support our teams, and continue building a club our community can be proud of.

Their contributions goes far beyond logos on jerseys or signage around the grounds. They help create a place where friendships are formed, resilience is built, and players learn the values of teamwork, respect, and commitment. That impact reaches well beyond the field.

We are proud of our strong partnerships with our sponsors and encourage all players, members, and visitors to support the businesses that support us.

We thank them for believing in Tamworth Rugby and for being an integral part of the Magpie family.

A special highlight was the official opening of the Bruce Treloar Room, with members of the Treloar family cutting the ribbon. The room is named in honour of Bruce Treloar and his long‑standing contribution to Tamworth Rugby. Bruce became involved with the Club from the beginning. For many years the Treloar’s presented the jumpers to the club, long before “sponsors logos” were on them. Bruce and Doug Campbell were the Patrons of the Club for well over 50 years and Bruce was President from 1984 to 1986. Bruce was made a life member in 1987. A special tribute to a man who has left a lasting legacy at Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club.

Four action‑packed games of rugby were played in front of another huge home crowd at the nest on Saturday.

1st Grade – Armidale Blues 36 def. Tamworth Magpies 19

Although the final scoreline favoured Armidale, the match was far closer than it appeared. The Magpies fought hard throughout, with strong phases and determined defense keeping them in the contest.

Scorers – Tamworth Magpies 1st XV (19): • Tries: V. Rage (2), S. White • Conversions: C. Battle (2)

Women’s 10s – Tamworth Magpies 32 def. Armidale Blues 20

The Magpies Women secured their first win of the 2026 season, delivering an impressive and energetic performance.

The standout of the match was Candyce Duckett, who crossed for five tries — a haul that may be a new club record. J. Plowman added another try, and Duckett also converted one.

Scorers – Tamworth Magpies Women’s 10s (32): • Tries: C. Duckett (5), J. Plowman • Conversion: C. Duckett

2nd Grade – Armidale Blues 35 def. Tamworth Magpies 19

The Magpies 2nd XV showed plenty of grit in a physical encounter, matching Armidale for long stretches before the visitors pulled away late.

Scorers – Tamworth Magpies 2nd XV (19): • Tries: D. Potts, L. Sition, L. Dewberry • Conversions: D. Brissett (2)

3rd Grade – Armidale Blues 29 def. Tamworth Magpies 17

3rd Grade delivered one of the most spirited performances of the day, highlighted by a standout individual effort from M. Pearce, who scored all 17 points for the Magpies.

Scorers – Tamworth Magpies 3rd XV (17): • Tries: M. Pearce (3) • Conversion: M. Pearce

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the club throughout the day. We have a bye in round 4, followed by the NSW Country Championships, hosted in Tamworth, with plenty of Magpies representatives in the mix for Country selection.

We look forward to seeing you back at the nest for our next home game on Saturday, 6th June against the Barbarians.

Round 2 - ANZAC Day Match Report

The Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club and Walcha Rugby Union Club came together on ANZAC Day for a solemnand powerful day of Remembrance and rugby. More than 350 people including veterans, families and supporters from both towns attended the commemorative ceremony before the matches, honouring the courage, sacrifice and mateship that defines ANZAC Day.

TRUSC President Chris Shaw recited the Ode and Tamworth Conservatorium Director Noelene Bosworth performed the Last Post in a moving ceremony shared by veterans, families and the wider rugby community. Then across the entire afternoon the respectful atmosphere underlined the importance of coming together to remember.

The scoreboard did not go our way, but the day’s significance was measured in community and remembrance rather than results. Thanks to the players, volunteers, match officials and everyone who helped stage the event, and to Walcha for joining us in this important observance.

Match Results

Fixture	Score	Scorers
Tamworth Magpies 1st XV	12	Tries: A. William; C. Battle; Conversion: D. Brissett
Walcha 1st XV	51
Tamworth Magpies 2nd XV	10	Tries: F. Lambeth; C. Lane
Walcha 2nd XV	37

Looking Ahead to Round 3 - Sponsors Day vs Armidale Blues

Attention now turns to next weekend, when Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club hosts the Armidale Blues for Sponsors Day. The program will feature four matches, offering a chance to showcase our club’s depth, resilience, and passion. All Members and supporters are encouraged to attend, support the teams and celebrate with the sponsors who make our season possible.

When: Saturday 2^nd May

Where: Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club

Time: Gates open at 10:00am with Full Bar and Canteen in operation.

Game Times:

3^rd Grade - 11:40pm

2^nd Grade - 12:50pm

Women's X’s - 2:15pm

First Grade - 3:15pm

Photo Credit: Bugsy Plowman Photography.

TRUSC Announces 2026 Charity Partnership with Ronald McDonald House

Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club is proud to announce that it has partnered with Ronald McDonald House as its official charity partner for the 2026 season. The partnership reflects the club’s strong commitment to supporting families both on and off the field. Throughout the 2026 season, the club will work closely with Ronald McDonald House to raise awareness and funds for the vital services they provide to families with seriously ill children.

Secretary Mick Wilson said the partnership holds special meaning for him and aligns perfectly with the club’s values. “As a family-focused club, it’s incredibly important for us to support organisations that make a real difference in people’s lives. Ronald McDonald House is an organisation that is very close to my heart, and I’m extremely proud that our club will be involved in supporting the amazing work they do.”

President Chris Shaw also highlighted the broader impact the partnership will have on the club community.

“This is about more than just rugby. It’s about coming together as a community to support families going through tough times. We’re looking forward to engaging our players, members, and supporters in fundraising and awareness initiatives throughout the season.”

The club will announce a series of events and activities in the coming months, including fundraising matches and volunteer opportunities aimed at supporting Ronald McDonald House.

Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club will play our first home game of the season this Saturday on ANZAC Day against Walcha and encourages all members and supporters to get behind the partnership and help make a meaningful difference in 2026.

The Tamworth Test - 28 March

The inaugural Tamworth Test brought Tamworth Rugby Park to life as more than 700 supporters poured through the gates over the weekend, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated the very best of regional rugby. From the moment teams and supporters arrived from Scone, Barraba, Gunnedah and the Newcastle to join local clubs, the Tamworth Magpies and Tamworth Pirates, the ground buzzed with anticipation and the unmistakable spirit of country rugby.

The event was proudly supported by Major Partner Platinum Pro Security Services alongside event partners Reverend Entertainment, Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club, Knighty’s Painting Services, Bugsy Plowman Photography and Dee Plowman @Realty. Together, they helped cement the Tamworth Test from an idea into a vibrant, high‑energy showcase of community sport.

The Test was built around 14 games of fast‑paced action, with the men playing two 20‑minute halves and the women two 10‑minute halves. The shortened matches encouraged attacking rugby, and the bonus‑point system pushed teams to chase tries and stay competitive right to the final whistle. Every breakaway run, every crunching tackle and every try was met with roars from the hill, adding to the sense that something special was unfolding.

The Tamworth Test simply couldn’t have proceeded without the support of our regionally based referees, whose efforts ensured the event ran smoothly. Their calm, consistent officiating allowed players to express themselves while maintaining fairness and flow, and their presence added to the professionalism of the day.

President of the Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club, Chris Shaw said:

“The success of the inaugural Tamworth Test shows what’s possible when our rugby community comes together. Seeing so many talented men and women from across the region showcasing their skills on one stage was incredibly special. Reverend Entertainment were outstanding behind‑the‑scenes partners, supporting our committee to build this event from the ground up. Thank you also to Platinum Pro Security Services, Knighty’s Painting Services, Bugsy Plowman Photography and Dee Plowman @Realty for helping make the day possible. Watching teams, referees, volunteers and supporters unite at Tamworth Rugby Park created a real sense of pride in how strongly regional rugby is thriving.”

Lachlan Barry from Reverend Entertainment said:

The crowd played the starring role in the day’s success, with families lining the hill, kids kicking footies between matches, and supporters from every town creating a wall of sound that lifted every team. By the time the final whistle sounded, it was clear the Tamworth Test concept had exceeded our wildest expectations and created something memorable.

The Tamworth Pirates took out the inaugural event with their Mens and Women’s team combining to take out the day with the highest point score. BUT the true triumph of the day was how the Tamworth Test showcased the strength of regional rugby, the spirit of the competing clubs and the vital role of the referees who keep the game thriving, celebrating not just the rugby on the field, but the entire community that makes days like this possible.

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Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club - Annual General Meeting Report – 2026

The Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club Annual General Meeting was held with a strong show of support from the rugby community, with close to 60 members and honorary life members in attendance. The AGM reflected both the strength of the Club’s foundations and a clear appetite for continued growth and evolution for the season ahead.

This year’s AGM was marked by meaningful engagement, with members contributing thoughtful questions, constructive discussion, and a shared commitment to the future of rugby at the Club. The tone of the meeting was one of respect, transparency, and unity, signalling a positive step forward after recent challenges, while remaining grounded in its core values.

A key moment of the evening was the acknowledgment of several dedicated individuals who have given significant service to the Club.

Special recognition was given to outgoing Secretary Geoff Ellerton, whose contribution over a number of years has been both substantial and deeply valued. Geoff has been a steady and reliable presence behind the scenes, ensuring the governance and administration of the Club were carried out with care, diligence, and integrity. From managing the detail of meetings and compliance requirements, to supporting players, volunteers, and fellow committee members, Geoff’s work has often been unseen but always essential. His calm approach, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to the Club have helped provide stability during periods of change, leaving a lasting mark on the organisation.

Sincere thanks were also extended to Vice President Phil McHugh and Committee Member Emma Bailey, both of whom have contributed their time and energy generously in support of the Club’s ongoing success.

In particular, Phil McHugh’s contribution to the Club spans many years and multiple roles. As Vice President and a valued member of the Committee, Phil has provided steady leadership, practical insight, and an unwavering commitment to the Club’s direction. Beyond the committee room, Phil’s service as a player reflects his deep connection to the game and the Club community. Perhaps most notably, his long-standing role as Bar Manager has been vital to the Club’s operations ensuring that game days and functions consistently ran smoothly, safely, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. His hands-on approach, reliability, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made him an integral part of the Club’s fabric.

The AGM also welcomed the 2026 Committee, who were successfully voted in to lead the Club in the coming season:

President: Chris Shaw
Vice President: Nick Bradbery
Secretary: Mick Wilson
Treasurer: Jocelyn Goodfellow
Committee Members: John Brissett, Blake Clout, Ben Coombes, Damien Henry, Phil Lambeth, Abbey Truman

The Patrons for 2026 are Ken Noble and David Lane, who will continue to engage the past players’ networks and support the Club’s connections with its proud history.

The Club was also proud to award Life Memberships to Simon Hood and Michael O’Connor. This honour recognises their outstanding and sustained contribution to the Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club. Their commitment, both on and off the field, has left a lasting impact and set a benchmark for future generations.

As the Club looks ahead, the strong attendance and active participation at this year’s AGM reinforce a collective dedication to rugby in Tamworth. With renewed energy, clear direction, and continued community support, the Club is well positioned for the season and beyond.