Eastwood District Rugby Club

Club History

The Eastwood District Rugby Club, often referred to as “The Woods” or “Woodies,” has a long and distinguished history in Australian rugby.

Rugby had been played in the Eastwood area of Sydney’s north-west since the late 19th century. Various local sides existed, with some success in suburban competitions. The Epping club won the Kentwell Cup in 1926, and an Eastwood side won the Burke Cup in 1927. The modern club was officially formed in 1947 after a successful application to join the Sydney District Rugby competition. This was a result of the amalgamation of the Eastwood and Epping clubs. The new club’s first home ground was the “Top Oval” in Eastwood.

While the club had success in minor grades and Colts competitions for many years, it took some time to secure its first major premiership. Eastwood’s inaugural Shute Shield (the main Sydney rugby competition) victory came in 1999, a historic win against Sydney University in the Grand Final. This victory marked the beginning of a period of significant success for the club. Eastwood has since won the Shute Shield multiple times, including victories in 2002, 2003, 2011, 2014, and 2015. The club has also been a frequent grand finalist and minor premier.

In 1963, the club moved its home ground to the now-famous TG Millner Field in Marsfield, where it continues to play its home games.

Eastwood has been a powerful force in producing top-tier rugby talent, with a long list of players who have gone on to represent the Wallabies (Australia’s national team) and other national teams.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Those Magnificent Men – 50 Years of Eastwood Rugby

Club:

Year published:

Author:

Page count:

Notes:

Eastwood District Rugby Club

1997

All Wilson

192 pages

Nicely presented book in dustwrapper

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Those Magnificent Men – 50 Years of Eastwood Rugby

Club:

Eastwood District Rugby Club

Year:

1997

Author:

All Wilson

Pages:

192 pages

Notes:

Nicely presented book in dustwrapper

Club History