In 1895 St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill, first participated in Sydney’s prestigious AAGPS Rugby Competition. In 2001, in its 101st competition year - the competition had been suspended during the Second World War - the College achieved the milestone of securing its 50th First XV premiership. In the previous season, the 2nd XV had recorded the same impressive achievement.

There is no doubt that a great Rugby tradition has grown at St Joseph’s during the 110 years since it joined the Great Public Schools Association. As the school’s rugby historian wrote at the time of its Rugby Centenary, “The approach of every winter sees the Josephian begin to stir: his cheeks take on an extra glow, his eyes a special sparkle and his footsteps along the corridors a sense of urgency; there is anticipation of excitement and of frontiers to be explored....Saturdays in winter are days of celebration, of liturgy at the Park.”

As a winter code, Rugby has suited St Joseph’s College. The near total boarding nature of the school has provided its boys with a special camaraderie and discipline, as well as regular training in skills, teamwork and fitness, and constant exposure to skilled role models.

In their wider education at the school, the Marist Brothers, founders of the College in 1881, have always insisted on Marist qualities such as family spirit, supportive teamwork, striving for excellence, an attitude of never-say-die, and the virtues of humility, simplicity and modesty —qualities that are easily transferred to the Rugby field as basic principles of good play.

The College’s Rugby tradition was immensely influenced by Br Henry Gaflhey who between 1922 and 1953 coached St Joseph’s to 20 First Grade and 21 Second Grade premierships. It was his emphasis on mutual understanding between players, the harmonious rhythm between forwards and backs, an attacking approach to play and, above all, sportsmanship, which established an attractive style of play that became synonymous with St Joseph’s Rugby.

Excellence has been its hallmark, the same excellence that the school has constantly pursued in its academic, cultural and wider recreational activities. One measure of this has been the representative honours achieved by its players: some 50 Wallabies, including Matthew Burke and Bill Young in recent years, more than 100 NSW Waratahs, and an extraordinary 64 Australian Schoolboys selected since the Australian Schools Rugby Association was formed in 1973.

The most casual onlooker will observe that boys at St Joseph’s really enthuse about their Rugby, and not just the First XV, as each Saturday in winter can see some 40 teams turning out busily in their highly identifiable cerise and blue colours. While clearly it is but one part of their total education, it is also clear that it helps them appreciate standards of excellence in other facets of their education. More importantly, it gives these teenage boys a great sense of satisfaction, belonging and, above all, enjoyment — important qualities that can go a long way towards helping young people grow up in a secure and balanced way.

Website: www.stjosephscollege.com