Tara Murray
A conversation on the field during a masters football game, instigated the creation of the new Macedon Ranges Rugby Union Club.
Tim Sullivan, who played union all his life, started to play football with Woodend Masters to keep fit and out on the field.
It was there the thought of a rugby union club became a reality.
“It’s super exciting,” Sullivan said. “I always played rugby growing up, but there was no rugby up here for the young kids to play.
“I started playing footy in Woodend and I tackled a guy with a rugby style tackle and he said why are you tackling me in rugby style?
“He said they had been trying to start a club for years, would I like to start one.”
From that point, Sullivan took on a key role to get things in place for a club to exist. The club has registered and has the support of Australia and Victoria rugby union associations.
Early interest has exceeded all expectations.
“I decided to post in a couple of mum’s groups, as we thought we would start with the kids and work our way up,” he said.
“We thought we would get in the school systems. I had 82 mums sign up either because the mum’s want to play or their kids want to play.
“I didn’t realise there were that many women that wanted to play rugby up here.”
About 30 people turned up to an information night for the club as they continued to seek more interest.
Among them was the vice-principal at Gisborne Secondary College, who said they could use their grounds to be home to the club.
Sullivan said getting a ground had been one of the biggest concerns they had. They already has senior level coaches and two containers full of equipment.
The club had its first training session last Thursday.
“I think we’ll have about the 10-20 mark,” Sullivan said before the session.
“It will be a mixture of all ages. We’re super excited and we have some big sponsors lined up as well.
“Next step is to get people on the field, our first tournament is in Bendigo.”
Sullivan said they were aiming to have a mixed junior team for 10-13 year-olds, while if they had the numbers they would have a senior side.
Sullivan said to start with they would look to face local teams to reduce the travel and eventually compete in full Rugby Union Victoria competitions.
Details 0402 232 029 or tim@sondersites.com
