Sadly former MRUFC President Terry Coyle passed away on May 8, 2016 in Waipukurau Hospital Central Hawkes Bay. Terry joined the Melbourne Rugby Club in the 1960’s and played 1st Grade with the champion team of that time. In the early 1970’s he subsequently ran the Melbourne 4th Grade / ‘Gerries’ of the time as Coyle’s Commandos, which started a proud era of Masters’ rugby which flourishes today.
The top of the table #DewarShield clash between the only two unbeaten teams delivered a tough game of Rugby won by the better team on the day. Harlequins won the match and in doing so collected yet another bonus point in a perfect start to their season. The difference between the two teams is not as great as the final scores suggested and we are likely to see the two teams go head to head again in the Grand Final.
Saturday’s match between the Unicorns and Harlequins will see the only two unbeaten teams in the #DewarShield lock horns to establish an early supremacy in Victoria’s premier rugby competition. The top of the table clash in the Dewar Shield couldn’t have come at a better time for the flourishing Victorian Rugby community. With the Australian conference-leading Rebels enjoying a bye, all the attention will be on the local competition and the match at Orrong Romanis Reserve, which kicks-off at 3:10 pm. It should attract a larger than normal crowd.
After a pre-season that for some started in January, the Junior Unicorns will hit the pitch this week, with Round 1 across all Grades, from U6 to U18. This year the Club has welcomed more than 40 new Unicorns, with many in their first ever season of rugby. To the girls and boys of all ages, good luck this weekend, and welcome to you and your families as an important part of our Club. For some (hopefully all!) this is the start of a long relationship with our great game. Rugby holds an envied position as a conduit to creating long-lasting friendships, partnerships and links all over the globe between players and supporters.
The Melbourne Rugby Club would like to congratulate Ikapote Tupai on being selected in the BMW U20s Australian side to play New Zealand at the Oceania Rugby U20s Championship at Bond University, Gold Coast this May.
Continue reading “UNICORNS FLANKER NAMED IN AUSTRALIAN U20s TEAM”
Round four of the #DewarShield confirmed the Melbourne Unicorns as one of the teams to beat, whilst the Footscray Bulldogs showed they have room to improve. The game was well played by both teams and hung in the balance up until the last 15 minutes. Eventually, the visitors collapsed and the Unicorns ran away with a 37 – 21 victory. The Unicorns were able to use their reserves to good effect, whilst the Dogs showed their lack of depth and fitness.
Ladies’ day brings a touch of elegance to the Melbourne Rugby Club. Ladies and partners of players are invited to attend this beautiful Luncheon and High Tea at the Toorak Bowling Club. Club Captain, Steve Craven said “The day is about giving back to the Club’s volunteers, officials and partners that support us throughout the rugby season.”
Pride in Sport ‘Rainbow Round’ was all about how you perform on the field and the Unicorns and Broncos put on a fitting display at Orrong Romanis Reserve. Melbourne’s Premier 1 team had to fight until the last second to hold back a late attempt by Box Hill to steal a win.
It was the second game for the Unicorns and the first at home after enjoying a comfortable 40-point away win against Power House in the opening round of the 2016 Direct Connect #DewarShield. They carried their momentum through the Easter break against the visitors, who had a bye in Round One.
Continue reading “HARD FOUGHT WIN FOR UNICORNS MARKS ‘RAINBOW ROUND’”
This Saturday sees legendary Unicorn Stavros ‘Yakka’ Iakovidis make his 500th appearance in a Melbourne Rugby Club jersey. In fact, a large proportion of the 500 in the last few years have been in the same Unicorn jersey – the individualised ‘Yakka’ jersey with additional side panels built in for the added comfort of the larger gent.
Yakka first played at the Melbourne Rugby Club in 1986 after his AFL career came to a screeching halt due to a run-in with the powers that be. He was meant to go to (Melbourne) Uni, but went to the wrong place for training on his first night and has been at the centre of Unicorns culture, on and off the field, ever since.
Continue reading “HARD ‘YAKKA’ PAYS OFF WITH 500 GAME MILESTONE”
The Melbourne Chargers, Melbourne’s gay and inclusive rugby team, kicks off its season this Saturday at Orrong Romanis Reserve. Making their opening game particularly special is that it coincides with Pride in Sports ‘Rainbow Round’, which aims to help raise awareness for LGBTI athletes at all levels.
