This year is the Centenary year of the Dubbo Rugby Club. The battling Kangaroos have experienced 100 years of rugby. This has included enormous success and some disappointment as well. The club in 1999 is the biggest in its history. Record number of players and teams see the Dubbo Rugby Club as one of the largest in NSW Country.
The club has entered two new teams this year in the David Lang Memorial Shield. The Shield competition is the 2nd tier of the Central West competition. The club has always had extra numbers for 4th grade, and this addition to the club has enable more players to become involved in Central West rugby to a much greater extent. Added to this are the 2 new teams in the juniors (15's Red and 17's Red). This makes a total of 15 teams playing in the sky blue and red of the Dubbo Rugby Club. Player numbers in the 100th year of Dubbo rugby are in excess of 300.
Seniors in 1999 have started the competition thus far with significant success on the field. With new coaches in all grades, there has been renewed enthusiasm in all things Dubbo Rugby. At the start of the season Graham Campbell was appointed as 1st grade coach. Mid season Graham resigned from the top job, and Jason Blake has taken over. 2nd grade coach Damian Duffy is being assisted by former Central West player of the Year Scott Vaughan and Russell Irwin. Recently retired 1st grade impact player, Jone Raidaveta initiated into the coaching ranks as 3rd grade coach. The experienced pair of Stewart Webster and Peter Aird have undertaken the role of coaching the Colts. Roy Dunworth, Jack Pike and Ben Garner are coaching the two new Shield sides.
1999 will see the Dubbo Junior Rugby Club in their 10th year. They have been a vital part of Dubbo Rugby since 1990. The Juniors have been one of the most progressive and successful junior rugby clubs in NSW Country. They keep turning out quality players and fine young Australians and should be congratulated on their achievements over the last 10 seasons.
The Dubbo Rugby Club Golden Oldies "The Roo Teds" are celebrating their 1st birthday this year. They will be competing at the World Golden Oldies Rugby Tournament in Adelaide in October. They will be also hosting the Wallaby Legends later in the year, as a major centenary event. What they don't know about rugby could be written on the back of a postage stamp.
1999 has also seen a renewed interest in the financial support of the club. Without the generous support of 35 local businesses the club would find it difficult to operate. Sponsorship this year has reached a record high and we are very appreciative of their important contribution to Dubbo Rugby Club.
What the season holds for the Club on field will be revealed as month's roll on. With the strong support apparent the on field success is looking very promising. Off field the club has already held some successful yet low key reunions for the older players. The main focus of the Centenary Year is the Centenary Dinner on July 31. Club patron Dr Dan Frogan has been working hard to ensure the success of the celebrations. Former players and supporters from NSW, Australia and even overseas will be making the trek to Dubbo to help celebrate 100 years of good times, good football, and good spirit. Just another chapter in the short history of the battling kangaroo, The Dubbo Rugby Club.
