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As Day 1 of the Grand Finals comes to a close, Daramalan Rugby finishes with mixed results on the scoreboard, but an enormous amount to celebrate. Across four Grand Finals, our teams produced some outstanding rugby, two premiership victories and, most importantly, performances that showed just how exciting the future of Daramalan Rugby is. Under 15 Girls – Daramalan 38 def. Kinross 35 The first game of the day saw our Under 15 Girls take on Kinross in an incredibly entertaining, high-scoring Grand Final. Early points to Daramalan through Lacey Ayers were followed by tries to Kinross, and from there the match became a genuine try-for-try battle. At half-time, Daramalan trailed 15–12 with everything still to play for. With what I can only imagine was a Vince Lombardi-style half-time speech, the girls came out inspired in the second half. They lifted their intensity, continued to attack and showed enormous determination as the game went right down to the wire. Grace Kelly and Gracie Rhule also crossed for important tries as Daramalan continued to find ways to put points on the board. In a match where very little separated the two sides, the difference on the day proved to be Chloe Buck’s boot. Chloe converted four of Daramalan’s six tries, and in a Grand Final ultimately decided by just three points, those conversions proved absolutely crucial. When the final whistle sounded, Daramalan had secured a thrilling 38–35 victory and a Grand Final win to remember. The development and growth of this group over the past two seasons has been enormous. Their confidence, skill and understanding of the game continue to improve, and they are showing just how much of a threat they are going to be in the years ahead. A fantastic achievement from the players and coaches and a wonderful reward for all the work that has gone into this team. Under 13 Black – A Season to Be Proud Of Our mighty Under 13 Black team took on St Edmunds U14 White in their Grand Final and once again showed the determination and talent that has made them such an exciting team to watch this season. Ryder Coutts continued to demonstrate why he is one of the standout performers in his age group, producing some clutch defensive efforts along with some impressive attacking rugby. Tries to Ryder Coutts, Mitch Taylor, Lawson Day and Levi Morris kept Daramalan firmly in the contest. It was particularly great to see Levi back contributing on the Grand Final stage after returning from a long-term injury. I unfortunately missed the now-famous penalty-goal-attempt-turned-try, but I am certainly looking forward to seeing that one on the replay! For a group that is relatively new to the club, their development has been outstanding. More importantly, they have represented Daramalan with tremendous pride throughout the season. While the result didn't go our way today, this is a group with an incredibly exciting future. We can't wait to watch their continued development and success over the coming years. A wonderful season by everyone involved, and the entire Daramalan Rugby community is incredibly proud to have this group of young men representing our club. Under 15 Red – Daramalan 26 def. by Canberra Grammar 36 Our Under 15 Red team faced Canberra Grammar in their Grand Final in difficult weather conditions. Daramalan got off to a slow start, conceding two early tries, but as the team settled into the contest, we began to see a much better reflection of the skill and attacking ability they have displayed throughout the season. A late first-half try to Cody Crabb narrowed the CGS lead and gave Daramalan some momentum heading into the break. Cody crossed again in the second half, while Ky O'Connor, in just his first year of rugby, produced an outstanding performance and scored two tries of his own. Despite a strong second-half effort, Canberra Grammar held on to take the Grand Final 36–26. Throughout the season, the U15 Reds have provided us with so many exciting games, and we could not be more thrilled that they earned the opportunity to compete in a Grand Final. This may be one of the strongest age groups coming through Daramalan Rugby, and the future is incredibly exciting. There will undoubtedly be plenty more development, enjoyment and success ahead for these players. Congratulations to the entire U15 Red playing group and coaching staff on a fantastic season. Under 15 Black – Daramalan 39 def. St Edmunds U16 Blue 0 The final Daramalan game of Day 1 saw our formidable Under 15 Black side take on St Edmunds U16 Blue in the U16 Division 1 Grand Final. This season, the U15 Black team earned their way into the age group above and Division 1, and at no stage have they backed away from that challenge. Finishing the regular season with only two losses, they entered the Grand Final confident in their ability – and what followed was an outstanding team performance. Ollie Tawake opened the scoring from a well-executed set tap move, with Victor Cornillon-Elliot providing a strong platform. Lachlan Neighbour and Bryson Hopman both produced outstanding tries on the edges, while Archie Hughes-MA\aher fought his way over the line for another five-pointer. Late in the second half, Zander Clarke spotted an opportunity, took a quick tap and found his way across the line. Then winger-turned-backrower Jack Gilligan produced one of the individual highlights of the match, showing tremendous skill to chip over the fullback, regather and score. When the final whistle sounded, Daramalan had secured an emphatic 39–0 Grand Final victory. This team has given us just a glimpse of what is to come as they move towards U16s and eventually senior rugby in the coming years. Plenty of credit must go not only to this wonderful playing group, but also to their coaches, managers and families who have supported their development throughout the season. An outstanding achievement and a thoroughly deserved premiership. Bring on Day 2! As we finish Day 1, a huge thank you must go to all our wonderful supporters, volunteers, coaches, managers and parents for their amazing support throughout the day. Grand Final days are about much more than the players who take the field. The atmosphere created by the Daramalan community and the number of people who give their time to support our teams is what makes our rugby club so special. And we're not finished yet. Day 2 promises to be another massive occasion for Daramalan Rugby, with all three of our U18 sides taking the field at Viking Park tomorrow. We encourage our entire Daramalan community to get back out to Viking Park, wear your red and black and support our senior teams as they look to finish an incredible Grand Final weekend in style. Sunday – Viking Park Oval 1 3rd XV vs St Edmunds College – 12:30pm 2nd XV vs Marist College U16s – 1:45pm 1st XV vs Marist College – 3:00pm Three games. Three Grand Finals. One massive afternoon of Daramalan Rugby. See you at Viking Park!

The Daramalan Rugby community is incredibly proud to congratulate Year 12 student Aidan Wunsch on his selection in the Australian Under 18 Rugby team. Aidan’s selection is the latest achievement in a rugby journey that has been built on an enormous amount of hard work, dedication and commitment to improving his game. While his natural ability has always been evident, it has been his willingness to work, train and continually challenge himself that has seen him progress through the representative pathway. Aidan represented the ACT Brumbies Under 16s in 2024 before earning selection in the Australian Under 16 squad later that year, an early indication of the level he was capable of reaching. His development has continued over the past two seasons. In 2025, Aidan was Daramalan’s leading try scorer with 19 tries and finished as the 1st XV’s highest point scorer with 146 points. In 2026, he has continued that form, scoring 10 tries and 106 points. But Aidan’s contribution has extended well beyond scoring tries and points. He has developed into a leader within the Daramalan Rugby program and earlier this year captained an ACT Under 18 side against Victoria, producing an outstanding performance that included a 70-metre chip, chase and regather try. His performances throughout 2026 have continued to be recognised, with Aidan recently named the inaugural ACT Junior Rugby Under 18 Male Player of the Year. Now comes another significant milestone. Rugby Australia has officially named Aidan in the Australian Under 18 squad to face New Zealand. For everyone who has watched Aidan develop through the Daramalan Rugby program, this selection is something to celebrate. It is a great example to our younger players of what can come from dedication and hard work. Aidan has represented Daramalan with great pride throughout his time at the College, and we couldn't be happier to see that work rewarded with the opportunity to pull on an Australian jersey. Congratulations Aidan. We wish you all the very best as you take this exciting next step in your rugby journey.

Finals rugby has arrived, and what a fantastic position Daramalan Rugby finds itself in as we head into the 2026 Semi Finals. In an outstanding achievement for the program, all twelve Daramalan teams have qualified for the semi finals this season. To have every team still competing at this stage of the year is something our entire rugby community should be incredibly proud of. It reflects the depth of our program, the commitment of our players and coaches, and most importantly, the positive culture that continues to grow across Daramalan Rugby. From our youngest teams through to our senior boys and girls, every player has contributed to what has already been a fantastic season. A Huge Weekend of Rugby With semi finals spread across Canberra this weekend, there will be no shortage of rugby to watch. We hope our families and supporters can get out and see as much rugby as your heart desires! For those playing away from Daramalan, once your game has finished, we would love to see you make your way back to the College to support our teams playing at home. There is something special about finals rugby at Daramalan, and having our players, families and wider community filling the sidelines in black and red will make it even better. Thank You As we enter this exciting part of the season, I would like to acknowledge our coaches, managers and volunteers for the enormous contribution they have made throughout the year. The time and effort that goes into running twelve teams extends well beyond what happens on a Saturday. Training sessions, team communication, field preparation, canteen shifts, game-day duties and countless other jobs happen because people are willing to give their time to our players and our rugby program. Thank you for everything you have done to get our teams to this point. To Our Players To every player pulling on the Daramalan jersey this weekend, best of luck in your semi final. Regardless of the result, know that you have continued to represent the Daramalan name incredibly well throughout the season. The way you have competed, supported your teammates and represented the College and Rugby Club is something everyone at Daramalan and throughout our extended community can be proud of. Finals are an opportunity to enjoy everything you have worked towards throughout the season. Back your teammates, enjoy the occasion and make the most of the opportunity to play finals rugby together. This weekend, get out your black and red and get around our twelve amazing teams as they take on the 2026 Semi Finals. Best of luck to everyone involved!

2026 Daramalan Rugby Presentation Night

This weekend, the Gungahlin Eagles will host their annual Ladies Day at the Nest (Nicholls Enclosed Oval), celebrating women and girls in rugby and the incredible contribution they make to our game. With both Daramalan girls' teams enjoying a bye this weekend, our players have been invited to attend the event and support the Gungahlin Eagles Women's team. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity for our girls to engage with the broader rugby community, celebrate women's rugby, and enjoy a great day of football. The Eagles Women's side features several former Daramalan First Girls players, making this an even more special occasion for our club. We are incredibly proud to see our alumni continuing their rugby journey and representing the values and spirit of Daramalan Rugby. If you're not following one of our Daramalan boys' teams this weekend, we encourage you to head down to the Nest and be part of what is sure to be a fantastic day of rugby, community, and celebration. We look forward to seeing plenty of Daramalan faces supporting the Eagles and our former students throughout the day.

It's set to be a huge day of rugby at Daramalan this weekend, with games kicking off from 8:30am and plenty happening both on and off the field. This year's Gala Day will also serve as a major fundraiser for our 2027 Japan Rugby Tour, with all profits from the canteen going directly towards supporting our touring students and helping reduce the costs of this incredible opportunity. The canteen will be firing from early morning with bacon and egg rolls to get you started, while the team from Neat St Coffee will be on hand to keep everyone fuelled with their caffeine fix throughout the day. Alongside all of our usual canteen favourites, we'll also be serving up delicious lamb and gravy rolls – a must-try on the day! There will also be some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs, including a signed 2026 Brumbies jersey and a 2025 Wallaroos jersey. Be sure to grab your raffle tickets and help support the tour while you're at it. We encourage all members of the Daramalan community to come down, enjoy a great day of rugby, and support our Japan Tour fundraising efforts. Every bacon and egg roll, coffee, raffle ticket and lamb roll purchased will make a real difference. See you on the sidelines!

With both of our girls' teams enjoying a bye this weekend and heading across to support the Gungahlin Eagles Ladies Day celebrations, Daramalan Rugby will be spread right across Canberra and the surrounding region for Round 6. The biggest road trip belongs to our Under 15 Red side, who travel to Jindabyne in what promises to be a great challenge and experience for the team. Closer to home, our other teams will be competing across a number of venues, including St Edmund's College, Marist College and Daramalan College, where our Under 16 Black team hosts the Owls. As we move into the second half of the season, every match becomes increasingly important, with teams continuing to develop, compete and build towards the final rounds of competition. We wish all players, coaches, managers and supporters the very best for the weekend ahead. Play hard, support your teammates and represent Daramalan Rugby with pride.

Round 5 - All at the NEST

A huge thank you to all of the incredible sponsors who continue to support the Daramalan Rugby Club. Your generosity, belief in our program, and ongoing commitment play a massive role in the growth and development of our club both on and off the field. Because of your support, we are able to provide opportunities and experiences for our players that go far beyond game day. From helping with equipment, jerseys, medical and safety resources, development, player welfare, and community events, to supporting pathways for both boys and girls rugby, your contribution helps create an environment where young people can thrive. Our sponsors are not just supporting a rugby club, they are investing in the development of young people, building community spirit, encouraging participation, and helping create lifelong memories and friendships within the Daramalan community. We encourage all members of our community to support the businesses that support us. Please take the time to follow the sponsor links on our website and social media pages to discover the amazing organisations backing Daramalan Rugby and see what they can offer our growing community. We are incredibly proud to partner with businesses and organisations that share our values of community, opportunity, growth, and connection. Thank you for standing alongside Daramalan Rugby in 2026. Together, we continue to build something special.

A huge thank you to all our incredible sponsors for supporting Daramalan Rugby in 2025. Your commitment helps our players grow, compete, and represent the Club with pride. From developing our junior athletes to supporting our senior programs, your contribution makes a genuine difference both on and off the field. We are proud to have you as part of the Daramalan Rugby family. Thank you for backing our teams, our community, and the future of Dara Rugby.

Over the weekend, I headed out to watch Gungahlin Eagles take on Uni-North Owls in the Battle of the Birds. With the Owls hosting Ladies in Rugby Day, it was fantastic to see so many supporters of local rugby gathered at ANU North Oval to enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon and some very high-quality rugby. What stood out to me most, though, was the number of former Daramalan players taking the field for the Gungahlin Eagles. For those who may not know the story behind the long relationship between Daramalan Rugby and the Gungahlin Eagles, it is one worth telling. In 1966, Father Jack Dempsey, a teacher at Daramalan College, approached ACT Rugby with the vision of creating a club that would allow Daramalan boys to continue playing rugby together after graduating. From that idea, the Daramalan Rugby Club was born, entering the sub-district competition of the time. By 1969, Frank Heggarty pushed for the club to enter the premier division, with Daramalan competing in the 3rd grade competition. Then, in 1973, Daramalan fielded its first 1st Grade side, with many club legends taking the field and some progressing to even higher honours. In those early years, Daramalan Rugby Club trained at the monastery on Northbourne Avenue before later moving to Ainslie Oval, where they built a true fortress in black and red. Through the successful years of the 1980s, the club continued to grow, fielding five grades. By the late 1990s, Daramalan had to move on from Ainslie, and after several temporary home grounds, an opportunity emerged in Canberra’s newest growth area, Gungahlin. In 1999, Daramalan Rugby Club officially changed its name to the Gungahlin Eagles. While the name changed, the relationship between Daramalan and the Eagles never did. That connection remains as strong as ever. The Eagles have become a club that not only provides a pathway for former Daramalan students, but also welcomes players from all backgrounds, schools, junior clubs and countries into a strong and supportive rugby community. Now in 2026, that relationship is still alive and thriving. As I sat and watched the Colts match, it was impossible not to notice just how many former Daramalan players are now proudly wearing Eagles colours. Players such as Jeziah Sega, Henry Laidler, Brad Patmore, BJ Pumpa, Pat Edwards, Denzel Veikune, Lebron Alofipo, Tyler Jones, Spencer Hancock, Moses Kaufusi, Nate Pfitzner and Jasper Melmoth are just a few examples of graduates from recent Daramalan rugby seasons who are now continuing their journeys with the club. Just as exciting has been seeing the number of former 1st Girls players who have continued playing rugby beyond school. Amy Maka, Bri Patmore, Jasmine Reid, Frankie Cappello, Hulita Toefoki, Sannah Diou, Kayley McGuire, Daisy Goodwin Makenna Ravouvou, and current Year 12 student Eseta Tuipeatau are all part of that story. To see these athletes continue in the game after school, and in many cases continue doing it together, is something truly special. Because rugby has always been about more than just the scoreboard. It is about connection, belonging and shared experience. It is about the friendships built through hard work, sacrifice and community. Once you are part of rugby, those bonds stay with you long after the final whistle. Seeing so many of our former students still involved in the game is a reminder that Daramalan Rugby is not just about what happens during the school years. It is about building a lifelong connection to the sport, to community, and to each other. And that is something worth celebrating.

For many Old Collegians, rugby at Daramalan is more than just a sport, it is a shared experience that creates lifelong friendships and memories. Ben Faulks, who played at Daramalan from 1993 to 1999, is one such alumnus whose journey through the program left a lasting impact. A member of the First XV in 1998 and 1999, Ben was part of a team that went on to become ASC Champions, a moment that still holds special significance for him today. Ben remembers his time at Daramalan Rugby as one filled with talented teammates and strong leadership. Among the standout players he lined up alongside were Michael McMahon, whose career was unfortunately limited by injury despite having the talent to play at the highest level, and Brendon Pye, a relentless defender whose work rate and ball skills made him a dominant presence on the field. Another teammate who left a strong impression was Nio Halangahu, who would later represent Tonga and play over 200 first grade games for Randwick. Ben believes Nio was one of the most underrated players in Australian rugby during the 2000s, combining the skills of a flyhalf with the physical presence of a prop. Behind the scenes, the coaching staff played an important role in shaping the team’s success. In Ben’s final year, the side was coached by Dom Mammolitti, whose passion and investment in the group made a lasting impact. Dom was supported by a dedicated coaching group that included Jack McGrath in the junior years, Steve Pickett, and even Ben’s own mother, who helped coach for a season. Their guidance helped build a culture centred on simplicity, commitment, and teamwork. One moment that still stands out vividly for Ben came in the final game of the season against St Edmund’s College at Daramalan. With the match on the line, teammate Daniel Callaghan stepped up to take a conversion. The kick sailed through the posts, giving Daramalan an 18–17 victory in dramatic fashion. The celebrations that followed—particularly the team gathering beneath the scoreboard—remain a cherished memory and a photograph from that day still holds pride of place. While the victories were memorable, Ben believes the greatest legacy of Daramalan Rugby lies in the friendships it creates. Many of his closest friends today are the same teammates he shared the field with during his school years. “The foundational friendship group for my life are the people I played footy with at Daramalan,” Ben says. “Our punters club alone has about twenty of us.” The lessons learned through the program have stayed with him long after leaving school. Ben reflects on the values of friendship, camaraderie, and the underdog spirit that defined his team and helped shape his outlook on life. For current players, Ben has a clear message: commit to the work behind the scenes. His team placed a strong emphasis on fitness, guided by an outstanding strength and conditioning coach who pushed them hard during the off-season. That preparation often proved decisive in tight games. “We were unbelievably fit,” he recalls. “That opened doors to winning games we might otherwise have lost and gave us belief as a group.” He also encourages young players to take care of their bodies by seeking professional screening for physical imbalances to help prevent injuries. Staying injury-free, he says, is one of the keys to enjoying a long rugby journey. Since leaving Daramalan, Ben has built a successful career and family life in Canberra, where he now owns and operates the Ray White businesses. He and his wife Kylie have three children, who keep them busy outside of work. Rugby, however, has remained a central part of his life. After playing representative rugby in the Brumbies pathway program and appearing in a first grade grand final, Ben has recently taken on the role of President at the Gungahlin Eagles Rugby Club, continuing his lifelong connection to the sport. Looking back, Ben believes Daramalan Rugby offers something truly unique. The pathway from the school program into senior club rugby creates bonds that extend well beyond the playing field. “Rugby is unique in the warrior mentality it requires us to take into combat,” he says. “Having a group of mates you’re connected to in that way is very special. You don’t fully appreciate it until you get older.” His advice to current players is simple: embrace the experience. “Being part of Daramalan Rugby opens up pathways to mateship that will carry you through life. Very few people get to experience something like this, so do your best to enjoy the journey.” Ben’s story is another reminder that while results and championships are celebrated, the true legacy of Daramalan Rugby lies in the brotherhood, resilience, and lifelong friendships it builds along the way.

Few individuals have left as lasting an imprint on Daramalan Rugby as John Coonan, whose time at the College spanned nearly two decades. A teacher at Daramalan from 1987 to 2006, John played a pivotal role in shaping the rugby program, coaching the 2nd XV in 1987 before leading the 1st XV from 1988 to 1997 (with a break in 1993). Across those years, he helped build a culture defined by toughness, skill, and unwavering team spirit. During John’s tenure, Daramalan Rugby consistently produced high-quality players, with nine students going on to represent Australian Schools or Under 17s level, a remarkable achievement that reflects both individual talent and the strength of the program. Among those standout players were Marco Caputo, Mark Challender, Andrew Obad, Peter Johnson, Matt Hall, Aaron Hardcastle, Matt Kennedy, George Elliopolous, and Marty O’Rourke. “They were all outstanding, tough and skilful players,” John recalls. Behind the success of the teams was a strong and supportive network. John speaks highly of colleagues who contributed to the program, including Peter O’Neill, Nick Hutchison, and Christian Fuenzalida, along with dedicated team managers Leon Norgate and Peter Hardcastle. Their collective effort helped create an environment where players could thrive both on and off the field. While John coached many memorable matches, a couple of moments continue to stand out. One came in 1996, when Matt Miller scored a crucial try in the Waratah Shield semi-final at Manuka Oval against St Edmund’s College, sealing a significant victory. Another iconic moment, although after his time as head coach, was the 1999 ASC Grand Final, where Daramalan defeated St Edmund’s 18–17 at home, built on dominant forward play and determination. Beyond results, John values the relationships formed through rugby. He still keeps in touch with former players through catch-ups, social media, and visits to Canberra, often reconnecting at Eagles matches or through his son Damian (aka Gus). These enduring connections highlight the lifelong impact of the Daramalan Rugby experience. John believes that what makes Daramalan special is a spirit shared by great rugby programs everywhere, a willingness to compete, support one another, and stand strong in tough moments. “The spirit is the same where boys want to play, compete and stand up for each other,” he says. “They are resilient and will contest in tough times.” His advice to current players is simple and timeless: enjoy the game, play hard, and play safe. Since leaving Daramalan, John has continued his involvement in education and rugby, spending time teaching and coaching in Brisbane before eventually stepping into retirement, where he even took on the unique role of driving limousines. Today, he finds great joy in watching the next generation come through, particularly his grandsons playing for the Noosa Dolphins and Sunshine Coast Grammar. Rugby remains a central part of his life, and he continues to follow the game closely, including keeping an eye on Joey Caputo, son of former Daramalan great Marco, who is making his mark at flyhalf. Among the many stories from his coaching days, one has become part of Daramalan Rugby folklore. John often told his players: “If you beat one player, you’re a good player. If you beat two, you’re a very good player. But if you beat three… you’re a bloody idiot!” That philosophy was put to the test in a midweek game against The King’s School, Parramatta, when Matt Kennedy proceeded to step his way through the entire opposition, some players twice, before scoring under the posts. “It became known as Matt’s ‘bloody idiot’ try,” John laughs. John Coonan’s story is a testament to the enduring values of Daramalan Rugby, resilience, camaraderie, and a love for the game. His influence continues to be felt through the players he coached, the culture he helped build, and the generations who carry that spirit forward.

Daramalan Rugby was proud to host St Kevin’s College from Melbourne today in what was a fantastic day of schoolboy rugby and connection between two strong programs. St Kevin’s arrived in Canberra earlier this week, touching down on Tuesday before completing a training session yesterday at the Gungahlin Eagles’ home ground at Nicholls. With their season just around the corner, the trip forms an important part of their pre-season tour, giving players valuable match experience and the opportunity to build combinations. Beyond the field, the tour has also provided some memorable experiences. The St Kevin’s group will attend the Raiders vs Storm clash this weekend, where one of their Old Boys, Hugo Peel, has been named in the Melbourne Storm squad, a great moment for the school and a fantastic opportunity for the players to support one of their own at the elite level. Today’s rugby action saw two quality fixtures. In the opening game, St Kevin’s 2nd XV faced Marist College U16 in a competitive and physical contest. Both sides used the match as a valuable hit-out, showing strong intent and skill across the park. The main fixture featured the St Kevin’s 1st XV taking on the Daramalan Senior Boys. It was a high-quality game played in great spirit, with both teams producing some excellent passages of play. There were strong efforts in both attack and defence, and the match provided exactly what both sides were looking for at this stage of the season, a tough, fast-paced contest that will set a solid foundation moving forward. Daramalan Rugby would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Gungahlin Eagles for their ongoing support, not only in hosting today’s matches but also in providing facilities for St Kevin’s throughout the week. Their continued support of schoolboy rugby is greatly appreciated. We also thank St Kevin’s for making the trip to Canberra and for the quality of rugby and sportsmanship shown across the day. Opportunities like this are one of the great aspects of the game, building connections with schools from across the country and sharing in the rugby experience. We wish St Kevin’s all the best for the remainder of their tour, including the Vikings Gala Day this weekend, and for the season ahead. We look forward to continuing to build a strong and lasting relationship in the years to come.

This weekend Daramalan Rugby will host St Augustine’s College in a series of trial matches as both schools continue their long-standing rugby relationship. Over many years the two colleges have built a strong connection through regular fixtures, creating opportunities for players to compete against quality opposition while strengthening the rugby traditions of both schools. The Under 13 and Under 14 matches will be played at Daramalan College, giving our younger players the chance to represent the club on home ground and experience the excitement of hosting a visiting Sydney school. The Under 15, Under 16 and Senior Boys fixtures will take place at the Royal Military College (RMC), where the older age groups will compete in what promises to be a great afternoon of rugby. Matches against Sydney teams such as St Augustine’s are always a valuable part of the Daramalan Rugby program. They provide our players with the opportunity to test themselves against different playing styles and strong competition, helping prepare teams for the season ahead. The club would like to thank St Augustine’s College and mArist College Canberra for continuing this long and positive rugby relationship, and we look forward to another great day of rugby played in the right spirit.

Looking for Girls to give Rugby a try

Daramalan College continues to produce outstanding young athletes, and Brooke Gilroy (Class of 2019) is a wonderful example of how far passion, resilience, and opportunity can take someone. From being part of the College’s 1st Girls’ rugby team to playing overseas, Brooke’s journey reflects the growth of women’s rugby and the strong foundations built during her time at school. Brooke first began playing rugby in 2017 while still a student at Daramalan. Although she had always been interested in the sport, often inspired by stories from her father about his own rugby experiences, her particular interest was in rugby sevens. When the opportunity arose to join Daramalan’s 1st Girls’ rugby 10s team, Brooke did not hesitate to get involved. “When the opportunity came up to be part of Daramalan’s 1st Girls’ rugby 10s team, I jumped at it,” she recalls. Her rugby ability quickly developed, and while still in Year 12, Brooke achieved a significant milestone when she was selected for the Women’s Brumbies squad at just 17 years old. Playing alongside older and more experienced athletes proved to be a valuable learning experience. “Playing alongside much older and more experienced players taught me a tremendous amount about rugby,” Brooke explains. “Their guidance helped shape me into a better player and person.” Since graduating, rugby has opened doors Brooke never imagined. The sport has allowed her to travel internationally and connect with people from around the world who share the same passion. She is currently playing rugby overseas for Old Belvedere in Dublin, embracing the opportunity to compete and grow within a global rugby community. Alongside her sporting ambitions, Brooke has always been drawn to careers that serve others. After finishing school, she began studying nursing, reflecting her interest in emergency services. While her rugby commitments and travel led her to defer her studies for now, she has clear plans for the future. When she returns to Australia, Brooke hopes to join the Australian Army as a medic, combining her passion for service with a challenging and meaningful career. Throughout her journey, rugby has taught Brooke valuable lessons that extend far beyond the field. One of the most important has been resilience. Coming from a competitive swimming background, she admits that adjusting to the physical demands of rugby and the injuries that sometimes come with it, was a learning curve. “Learning how to come back from setbacks stronger both mentally and physically has been an invaluable skill,” she says. “It’s something that helps not only in sport but in everyday life as well.” For young girls who might be considering trying rugby for the first time, Brooke has a simple message: just give it a go. “Don’t be afraid to try it, even if you’re not looking to play competitively,” she says. “It’s a great way to stay fit, have fun, and challenge yourself. Women’s sport is growing rapidly, and being part of that progress is an amazing experience.” Above all else, Brooke highlights the community that rugby creates. The friendships and connections built through the sport have been some of the most meaningful parts of her journey. “Through rugby I’ve gained an incredible group of teammates who have become some of my closest friends,” she says. “The best part about rugby for me is seeing everyone at training. It’s a place where you can leave whatever happened during the day, good or bad, behind you and just have fun with your mates. Training is great and match days are even better.” Brooke’s story is a fantastic example of the opportunities that sport can create. From helping launch girls’ rugby at Daramalan to playing internationally, her journey continues to inspire the next generation of Daramalan Eagles.

Searcing for Coahes for our 13 Girls & 15 Girls programs Please reach out to Ben.mcgee@daramalan.act.edu.au for more information

Daramalan College is proud to celebrate four of our talented rugby players who have been selected to compete in the Pasifika Youth Rugby Union Competition this weekend. This annual tournament brings together young athletes from across Australia and the Pacific, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, athletic skill, and community pride of Pasifika and Indigenous rugby players. The competition provides a high-performance environment where emerging talent can test themselves against strong opposition while also celebrating identity, culture, and unity through rugby. We are thrilled to announce the following Daramalan Rugby representatives: Evie Walker – Under 16 Girls Barbarians Hulita Toefoki – Under 18 Girls Barbarians Malakai Tuifua – Under 14 NSW Tonga Seb Smith – Under 13 Koori Rugby These selections are a testament to their hard work, commitment, and passion for the game. The entire Daramalan Rugby community wishes them the best of luck this weekend—we are incredibly proud of you all!

The Daramalan College community is beaming with pride after former student and Daramalan Rugby standout Mack Hansen produced a sensational performance over the weekend, scoring three tries for Ireland. Hansen’s electric hat-trick was a reminder of his world-class talent, creativity, and instinct for the game, qualities our community saw from his earliest days in red and black. From his time playing junior and senior rugby at Daramalan, Mack has always displayed passion, determination and a genuine love for the sport. Seeing him now excel on the world stage is an inspiration to our current players and a testament to the pathways and foundations built here at the College. Mack continues to embody the spirit of Daramalan Rugby - humble, hardworking, and fearless with ball in hand. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements and the role he plays in showcasing the strength of Australian-grown talent on the international stage. Congratulations, Mack! Your Daramalan family is cheering every step