The Southern Rough Riders
The Southern Rough Riders Rugby Team was formed in 2018 after an idea was floated by team founder Dave Page about taking a few guys to the Tathra Crab Fest to play in an Old Boys Gala Day. He invited guys from all over Southern NSW and 30 lads hit the pitch in Tathra. Fast forward to 2024 and we now have over 80 names on the books and we haven’t looked back.
We come from all walks of life, a lot of us come from the agricultural sector, we are farmers, shearers, builders, plumbers, businessmen, sales reps, dairy farmers, earth movers and we even have a computer nerd. We like to get the lads away from their everyday lives for a weekend to enjoy the company of like minded ‘Rugby Tragics’. We all have a love and a passion for all things about Rugby. . . Kit day, touring, post match functions and boat races, banter, bullshit and an often frightening love for beer and the odd cheeky rum or Burr Cutter of course.
The Southern Rough Riders main aims are:
The encouragement of long serving older players to continue the tradition of Bush Rugby for as long as physically possible. Rugby has played a huge role in most of our lives, and to stop playing just because of age is one of the cruelest things we could do to ourselves.
We provide this great group of men a family type environment where the Black Dog is not welcome. The mental health of our players is an incredibly important issue that we take very seriously. Our trips away are a fantastic way to have a mental reset. Our players have created a Brotherhood that continues to support, listen and help anyone in need and we are very proud of that fact. This offer is also extended to their families who are always included, welcome and encouraged to attend all of our Roughie’s events.
One of the absolute highlights for the Southern Rough Riders was our first ever Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in Perth last year. We were a little nervous about attending, as we didn’t know what to expect, but once we got there, we had the best time ever. It was a well run event that everyone loved and we did not hesitate to register for Singapore in 2025. The atmosphere, the fun, the footy and the celebrations were top notch.
Our members now come from all across NSW and the ACT, also from Brisbane and Dave's best mate also comes over from NZ to play some games too. All it takes is a swag full of rugby experience, an incredible ability to exaggerate one's own personal ability and a couple of leave passes a year and there you have The Southern Rough Riders Rugby Team. – you can find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/southernroughriders We tour both nationally and internationally in support of charitable events and organisations.
