Gunnedah Rugby Club

Club History

The Gunnedah Rugby Club, known as the “Red Devils,” has a long and fascinating history that is intertwined with the very beginnings of rugby in the region.

The club’s origins can be traced back to 1883, when it was founded at a meeting at Hurley’s Hotel. Gunnedah is even credited with an early innovation in the game, introducing the concept of “backs” and “forwards” to eliminate the “maul in goal” that was common at the time. A local competition developed, with teams from Gunnedah, Coocaboonah, Emerald Hill, Curlewis, and Carroll.

The club had early success, winning premierships in 1901, 1906, and 1908. The influence of New Zealanders J.G. Little and Frank Priest, who both had strong rugby backgrounds, was significant in these early years. The original playing strip even featured a silver fern on a navy-blue jersey. The rise of Rugby League from 1911 onwards, however, led to a decline in Rugby Union, and the local competition essentially converted to the new code.

After a break of over 30 years, the modern Gunnedah Rugby Club was re-formed in 1956 at a meeting in the Town Hall. The club, which would become known as the Red Devils, has since grown into a strong presence in the Central North Rugby Union competition.

The club has been a source of talent for higher levels of the game, including Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, who is a product of the Gunnedah Red Devils.

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The Red Devils 1883 – 1992

Club:

Year published:

Author:

Page count:

Notes:

Gunnedah Rugby Club

1992

Keith Millerd

160 pages

Wonderful history in printed card covers

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

The Red Devils 1883 – 1992

Club:

Gunnedah Rugby Club

Year:

1992

Author:

Keith Millerd

Pages:

160 pages

Notes:

Wonderful history in printed card covers

Club History