A Club for everyone... Bringing people together since 1883

Petersham is the oldest, continually operating club in the NSW Suburban Rugby Union  (“Subbies”) competition. You’ve seen “1883” proudly written on many Shammie items – 1883, the year the club was born. And now we’ve been operating and playing rugby for 139 years.

During all these years, there have been many wonderful highlights and Petersham has achieved some magnificent feats…..  but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, and the club’s strength and resilience has been tested, as you would expect, when such a long history is in place.

In the 1980s and early 90s, the club had to really dig deep to survive. During these years the club was on a downwards slide and the number of players and teams were diminishing. At one stage we were in a 1 team division, one solitary team, and in 1984 climbed back to 2 teams, but not without some hardship. During the 1992 season, Petersham had to enlist help from the neighbouring “Sth Sydney New Zealand RFC” – and although this only gave enough numbers for a bit over one team, we always played two grades each week – so most had to double up – and we got flogged -  week in and week out.

It was tough stuff – would the club survive?  – would we be able to play the following year? - would we be able to continue the unbroken history of Petersham Rugby? Due to nothing else than the unbreakable Shammie spirit, and, the hard work of a few individuals, namely Mr Richard Harvey and Mr Paul Stokoe, the club always pulled on its socks and jerseys and we started to rebuild and turn the corner  – eventually the club got back to its glory days, and of course, onwards the club has marched, to get us back to where we are today.

It was a close call – but due to that Shammie grit, we are still able to pull on the maroon and sky blue and get out there to play, or cheer on, one of the greatest Subbies rugby clubs there has ever been.

• President: John Kilkenny, contact: president@petershamjuniors.com 0431 809 408
• Secretary and Child Safety Officer: Tristan Worledge, contact: secretary@petershamjuniors.com
• Treasurer:  Trudie Harriman, contact: treasurer@petershamjuniors.com
• Club Coach: Dan Waterworth, contact: coach@petershamjuniors.com
• Gear: Nick May, contact: gear@petershamjuniors.com
• Registrar: Nick Gormly, contact: registrar@petershamjuniors.com
• Minis: Eben Rainey, contact  minis@petershamjuniors.com
• Website: Rauri Rochford, contact web@petershamjuniors.com
• BBQ and Canteen: Martin Davies canteen@petershamjuniors.com