When was the club formed?
The club was formed in 1962 and is one of the few surviving junior rugby clubs in the Manly area. Formerly known as the Warringah Roos, the club colours and uniform has remained largely unchanged in 37 years. In that time the club has produced 5 players who have gone on to play for the Wallabies and countless others who have played grade rugby in the NSW competition. The club is very proud to have Gary Flowers, ex-CEO of the Australian Rugby Union, and the Honourable Mrs Jean Hay Mayor of Manly as our current patrons.
Our club
We are a direct feeder into the Manly Rugby Club and in fact some ex-Roos players are playing grade for Manly as are current and past Wallabies. George Smith played for the Roos in his early years and credits that early experience and culture with developing his passion for the game.
We are also one of the most successful junior rugby clubs in the Metropolitan North competitions.
Our Club Values also reflect a strong link to the community, and we strive to be a family club, strongly driven to attract, foster and retain our players and their passion for Rugby.
We continue to provide youngsters with the opportunity to combine teamwork and personal development with an athletic pursuit, in a game that is contemporary, professional and international.
How do the Roos fit into the overall club picture?
The Roos are affiliated to Manly Junior Rugby, along with the Seaforth Raiders, Harbord Harlequins and Forest Rugby Clubs. Each of these local village clubs pays affiliation fees to Manly Junior Rugby, who amongst other things administers area representative teams.
The Roos Club Committee meets at Keirle Park Clubhouse on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm, with representatives from all age divisions. Please feel free to attend if you have any questions or suggestions for the club, or just want to get involved.
How many players are there in the club?
The Roos will field teams in all age groups from Under 6s (Minis), right through to combined Under 16s (Juniors) in 2010. After Under 17/18’s the Roos are a feeder into Manly Rugby Union Colts grade.
How is the club funded?
The Roos receive NO Australian, NSW or Manly Rugby Union funding. Money comes from registration fees, merchandise sales, home game canteens, social functions and limited private and corporate sponsorship. The Roos Committee, which is made up of hard-working parents, always welcomes new fund raising initiatives, ideas and a helping hand.
Please contact our President, Stew Davies, by email or on 0419 887 501 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Roos. To learn more about sponsoring the mighty Roos visit our Sponsorship & Opportunities page.
Does the club have regular social functions?
Yes, there will be at least three functions held during the season in addition to other opportunities for families to socialise together. There is a real family spirit at the Roos as many players have siblings playing in other age groups within the club. The Keirle Park clubhouse is an excellent venue for team and club events.
Is club merchandise available for purchase?
Yes. A full range of quality merchandise is available. This includes:
- Caps and Beanies
- T-shirts
- Hooded Chinooks
- Fleece Jackets
- Bumper stickers.
How can I become involved as a parent?
As all of the administration, coaching, and fund raising is voluntary, there are plenty of opportunities to become involved at Roos Rugby. The club always needs help with the clubhouse, canteen, grounds and gear. Each team needs parents to help with team management, coaching support and gear control, as well as ground marshals and linesmen (yes, all teams must provide one of each for every game…)
Visit our volunteers page now! Or send us an email to start getting involved!
What is the future direction of the club?
The club has recently taken occupation of a new club house facility at Kierle Park and we will use this facility to foster the ongoing development of a vibrant rugby union community, as well as continue to develop our strong ties with the local community through holding social engagements, as well as around the weekend schedule of home games and training.
With your support the club will continue to provide a safe and harmonious local environment for you and your child to participate and enjoy one of the truly great international team sports. The club is fuelled by the energy of all those that play, coach, support and manage it, and all on a voluntary basis.
