WALLABY legend and 1991 World Cup-winning captain, Nick Farr-Jones, will be the guest speaker at a dinner to cap celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Warren Rugby Club.
Rugby fever and nostalgia will sweep Warren on Saturday, July 5, as past and current players rub shoulders and swap yarns during a day of activities at Warren's Victoria Oval and adjoining Sporting and Cultural Centre.
A highlight at the dinner will be the announcement of Warren's best side of the past 60 years.
The club was founded in 1954 with the first game between two local teams of ex-GPS students versus the rest.
Some of the members from that era still live in the district including Barry Beach, Michael McKay, Brian Anderson, Ian McKay, Andy Wass and Lance Parker.
In 1957 the Warren Rugby Club hosted a match against the All Blacks at Victoria Oval.
The club won first grade premierships in 1962, 1963, 1974, 1984, 1986, 1988 and 2003.
Warren now competes in the Western Plains competition in first and second grades against the likes of Coonamble, Nyngan, Walgett, Bourke, Brewarrina and Gulargambone.
The 60th birthday celebrations will feature matches involving the current two grade sides plus a Golden Oldies and a Junior game against traditional rivals, Coonamble.
The juniors will kick off at 11.30am, the Golden Oldies at 12.30pm followed by the two grade matches.
The first grade side will wear the original style jersey worn by the 1954 side with the jumpers auctioned during the evening's festivities.
Email warrenrugby@hotmail.com or contact Sophie O'Brien, (02) 6847 4748 or 0403 833 881 for more information.
Vernon Graham
Group editor of Fairfax Agricultural Media.
Group editor of Fairfax Agricultural Media.
