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Club History

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Grafton Rugby Club

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The Grafton Rugby Club, known as the Grafton Redmen, is a cornerstone of country rugby union in New South Wales, based on the North Coast in Grafton along the Clarence River.

Early Clarence River Roots

• Early History: While local rugby heritage in the Clarence Valley dates back to regional branches established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, formal local competitions were frequently disrupted by two World Wars and the rise of Rugby League across country NSW.

• Interwar Revival: The Clarence River branch was revived in the early 1920s, but organized union competition faded during the Great Depression and World War II.

Formal Establishment (1969)

• Modern Formation: The modern Grafton Rugby Football Club was formally established in 1969.

• Far North Coast Union: Upon formation in 1969, Grafton entered the Far North Coast Rugby Union (FNCRU) competition, expanding the game across the Northern Rivers region.

Evolution into the “Redmen”

• Traditional Kit: Originally, Grafton wore traditional red-and-white hooped jerseys.

• Identity Shift (1984–1989): In the mid-1980s, the club updated its playing kit, official emblem, and identity, moving to solid red playing jerseys. This shift birthed the famous “Redmen” moniker that remains the club’s identity today.

• Home Base: The club is based at Rugby Park at the Hay Street grounds in Grafton.

Current Standing

Today, the Grafton Redmen field First Grade, Second Grade, Women’s (Redwomen), and Junior teams within the Mid North Coast and Far North Coast regional competitions, serving as one of the Clarence Valley’s premier sporting institutions.

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25 Years of the Redmen – The Grafton Rugby Football Club 1969 – 1994

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Grafton Rugby Club
1994
David Morrison
85 pages
The comprehensive history and silver jubilee milestone of the Grafton Redmen Rugby Union Club, a prominent sporting club located on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

25 Years of the Redmen – The Grafton Rugby Football Club 1969 – 1994

Club:
Grafton Rugby Club
Year:
1994
Author:
David Morrison
Pages:
85 pages
Notes:
The comprehensive history and silver jubilee milestone of the Grafton Redmen Rugby Union Club, a prominent sporting club located on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia
Club History
Provincial History
Sub-Union History
References
Club History
Provincial History
Sub-Union History
References