It is a little known fact that the sport of rugby union was first played in Tasmania in the city of Launceston. It was a three-team competition that commenced in 1928.
Rugby union did not commence in Hobart until 1933.
Why is that important, you ask?
Well, it isn’t in the scheme of things, except for the fact that on August 28, 2021, the Tasmanian Rugby Union (TRU) first grade final will be played in Launceston, much to the chagrin of the power-brokers of the TRU who believe the grand final should always be played in Hobart.
But, this year, logically, it cannot. And that’s for the simple reason that the last three clubs standing are from north and north-west Tasmania.
These are the Burnie Emus, Devonport Bulls and the Launceston Tigers. The Tigers are already through to the grand final, so it’s a north-west derby next week to see who they play in the biggest game of the year.
Rugby in Tasmania is a small sport. It is played by less than 600 adults, male and female.
Men’s rugby has two senior grades playing statewide. The women have a six-team statewide sevens comp.
Rugby in Tasmania may not be pretty, but it’s fierce and it’s hard and the players love it.
Participation has actually increased over the past two years and that growth is due to the pure bloody mindedness of the north and north-western clubs who have survived against all odds.
When I think of Burnie rugby, I think of Brent Bentley and Crusty Kershaw.
Devonport, it’s Mark Meo and Derik Joubert.
Launceston – Isaac Anderson and Ray Burgess.
The rugby community in this state owes these rugby warriors and their associates a debt of gratitude for the fact the code still exists in Tasmania.
Burnie, in particular, have faced almost 30 years of angst and could have folded at any time during that period. They have been the recipients of endless thrashings. But the club refused to die. Now, they are one game off playing in the big gig.
Launceston’s revival is a huge story. Four years ago, they couldn’t field a team some weeks.
Come 2021 and they have over 70 players, have already won the second grade grand final and now have a potential first grade trophy staring them in the face.
Devonport, in comparison, have been a beacon for rugby north of Oatlands. They are competitive every year and are a proud member of the Devonport community.
But it’s Royal Park Launceston on the 28th of August where blood will be spilt, tackles will crunch, scrums will pack and the victors will take the spoils.
So, it is up to Launceston I go on August 28 to watch a grand final to remember. A grand final where the Northerners give the TRU the big middle finger and turn on a day to be remembered for all time in Tasmanian rugby annals.
And I have never been more excited to attend a rugby event in my life, because this truly is special.
So, when the sun comes down on this fateful day, it will be time for a few quiet beers and also time to reflect on the beauty of the game they play in heaven.
Tigers, Emus and Bulls. May you live and thrive forever.
Adam
Roar Guru
Bit old to the party here, but University rugby club will be 90 years young in 2023.
Dougie
Roar Rookie
Love Lonnie, go there every Xmas as my partners family is from there. Cant wait to get back and stroll down the rd to charcoal chicken have feed then off to James Boags brewery for 5 - 10 XXX ales. GO THE TIGERS !!!
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Thanks for your response. As a volunteer for over 40 years i kind of get the volunteer thing. But assuming office assumes responsibility and, yes, critical response from those affected by decision making. It goes with the territory. If my comments wind up responses like yours then it’s worth it and might lead to open discussions about how we take them game into a brighter future.
Deon Scanlon
Roar Rookie
There is a Coleman Cup, played between Adam’s former school - New Town High School, and any other comers who can challenge (there have only been challenges from The Hutchins School and a Barbarians team since its inception a few years ago).
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
That’s a harsh and inaccurate assessment especially with regard to Burnie. But you are entitled to your opinion. I don’t really mind who wins the grand final. But I’ll definitely enjoy it.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Sorry Sam didn’t get a mention but I could have mentioned a lot more people from each club. But this isn’t a roll call. It’s an article about the clubs in the north and their fight for survival. The article was written to get a response so thanks for your comments. The game needs some open discussion about its future down here. If I tread on a toe or two in the process so be it.
Deon
Guest
There is a Coleman Cup - it is played between high school teams - New Town High (where Adam went to school) and any others who can field a side!
Matt
Guest
It certainly is great to see the Northern Clubs doing well, I have been a strong advocate for keeping a Statewide competition and hopefully one day we can get more Northern Clubs especially in Launceston which is the largest LGA in Tassie. I am however a little disappointed about some of the comments concerning the TRU. These people are volunteer's who by and large try to do the right thing by all club's, including those in the North (which have their own reps on the Committee as well) this article didn't need to further divide the North and South when many are trying to grow the game Statewide. Best of luck to all teams still in the hunt for the grand final and congratulations to Launceston on the Minor Premiership which for my part is a bigger victory than a one off Grand Final game.
Nic Robertson
Guest
Why is this not a celebration rather than a “middle finger” to the TRU. Sone class please and appreciation for keeping rugby alive. Congratulations to the North. Feel bad Sam O’Keefe did not get a mention at Devonport. Rugby may feel healthy but without juniors down to u10s across the state it’s just a temporary win. Congrats to the North of the state. Played great rugby with spirit!
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Bloody great. Want to move to Tas one day so would love to get involved with the local footy there.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
That’s it. Thanks.
Supporter
Guest
Great to see all the Northern teams doing well this year, no doubt. Not just for them but for the competition as a whole. They all deserve plenty of credit for getting to where they are. However let’s not lose perspective. The TRU can take some credit for the rebuilding of rugby in the North and across the board. With the exception of Devonport, which has always generally been well run, clubs didn’t help themselves for a number of years. Launceston imploded when their coach and most of their players jumped ship to the AMC and ultimately ended in financial ruin. The TRU forgave their debts and in doing so helped them to survive. Burnie are a great little club with passionate people, but let’s hope it’s sustainable when the borders reopen. Reality is rugby in Tassie is made up of volunteers, including the TRU, and should be celebrated as a whole rather than peddling an unnecessary North/South divide! Emus for the flag ????????⚪️
Matt
Guest
There is an Adam Coleman cup played at u16 level, it's normally associated with New Town High school (Coleman's Old school) and a Barbarians side. It's a bit hit and miss for numbers and kid's are often shared between the two sides.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Most clubs have faced serious adversity yet survived by pure hard work. We might see a reasonable resurgence now. That would be nice and well deserved. And yes we are bloody tough.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Sounds like some of the toughest rugby people I have heard about mate. Growing the junior ranks is key, will improve the senior ranks in the future. It is great to hear.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Juniors are starting to grow again which is great news Rhys. It’s always fragile here but we’re pretty resilient.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
That is fantastic to hear Otsubie. I love hearing the game is growing, even if it is baby steps, especially in the face of adversity too. Tassie is a great place so even better that there is an active rugby footprint. :happy:
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Loved the call yesterday mate. That was a good game.
Deon
Guest
It is truly great that the North and North-West have created such a resurgence of the sport in their areas, while many of the southern clubs struggle to field a full team every week. The great work that Burnie has done over the past few years is a tribute to their passion for the sport. Launceston’s rebirth is outstanding, after having been booted from the competition at one point not so long ago, and having a year in the wilderness, having this club back on the field, and leading the way at both men’s senior levels, is a boon for our sport, and can’t go without congratulations to those responsible. I can’t wait to get up to Devonport next week and then to Royal Park the following one, to call the final two matches of the year! For those interested - both these matches will be streamed live. Check out Duff TV on YouTube, or check out the Tasmanian Rugby Union Facebook page for details of where to watch! Bring it on!
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Great part of the world