In recent years the Melbourne 3rd Grade men’s rugby team have been arguably one of the most successful teams at both the Club and within the Rugby Victoria 3rd Grade competition.
The formidable team contested ten Grand Finals for nine Premierships across the last 13 years. Whilst the last couple of years have been very challenging for 3rd Grade, the Club is excited to announce the appointment of Matt Nicol and Hilton Venter (2019 Premiership Players) to coach the team in 2023.
Nicol and Venter joined the Unicorns as juniors in 2008 and 2012 respectively. Both were passionate players, who played in almost every position on the pitch – from the front row, second row, back row and even the centres. Having played for so long with the Club and through the ages and grades, they could both be defined as true Unicorn men.
Unfortunately, both suffered season-ending knee injuries last year and so, the idea of coaching was borne.
An opening appeared with Luke ‘Shloop’ Daley and Michael ‘Browny’ Brown deciding the time was right for a well-deserved break from the game. Also departing from his role as 3rd Grade Team Manager is Club stalwart and Life Member Mike ‘Gilly’ Gillard. The Club thanks them all for their years of service and countless volunteer hours.
The lads come with Daley’s backing, “I hope everyone gets behind our 2023 coaches, and give them all the support they need. That means, if you get a call at 7pm on a Friday night, you say yes, and dust off the boots! I’m sure it won’t come to that, and the boys will begin a resurgence and bring our 3rds more premiership success.”
Together Nicol and Venter are looking to bring some “zest and fervour to the 2023 season”. They aim to follow on from the incredible success of the last decade and are keen to contribute to once again, raising the Cup in 3rd Grade.
Join the team now for preseason training and we’ll see you all back on Rowzy Hill soon.
2023 Winter Preseason Training
3rd Grade
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Venue: Gardiner Park, Glen Iris
