On Friday January 31, Randwick legend and Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie addressed Wicks players about the role the club has played in his development and the Randwick style of Rugby
Photo: Ric McLallen

by Brendan Bradford –

Randwick Head Coach Wade Kelly
Photo: Ric McLallen

After the doldrums of 2012 when they finished a lowly tenth, the Galloping Greens stormed back into the finals last season, spurred on by a series of on and off-field initiatives. It’s an upward trend that has already borne fruit and one that looks set to continue into 2014 and beyond.

Under the watchful eye of coach Wade Kelly, a youthful Randwick side battled into the top eight and put on a classy performance in week one of the finals to send West Harbour packing last season. There were inconsistencies in their play as new combinations gelled, but – in news to warm any ex-Wicks player’s heart – the old Randwick flair had been reignited. Running rugby – entertaining rugby – had returned to Coogee Oval.

But the bumper on-field results only tell half the story – and half the work.

Scholarships –

Randwick’s relationship with UNSW has grown enormously. The eight scholarships in 2013 have grown to 35 in 2014
and will be at least 40 in 2015

Behind the scenes, Randwick’s board of directors, spearheaded by the hard work of Nick Ryan (Director of Rugby) and Simon Poidevin (Director), formed a strong partnership with the University of New South Wales.

The club currently offers 35 scholarships to UNSW, with this number expected to rise to 40 in 2015, many of which include campus accommodation and work. This number had risen from a starting point of eight in 2013. In keeping with the promotion of tertiary education, ‘club scholarships’ have also been established to assist players studying at other universities as well as TAFE.

All scholarships are named after former club greats, with the Peters of Kensington Phil Kearns scholarship a particularly sought after prize.

The Board also drafted a three year strategic plan covering culture and key performance areas as the club actively prepares for the future. With no players being paid, club culture and the scholarships are a vital component of Randwick’s plan for long-term success.

Juniors –

The seeds for that success start at the junior level where the Randwick Academy, led by Jim Dubos, has over 120 local kids aged between 11 and 17 primed to become future Galloping Green Colts and Grade players.

Jim Dubos: Renowned for
his development contribution
to Junior Rugby

Tireless in his contribution to Junior Rugby over many years Jim Dubos (RDRUFC junior rugby union coach) received an Award at Randwick Council’s Australia Day Community Service Awards for his services to the region.

Coaching Staff –

Back on the pitch, the Wicks will benefit from the experience and wisdom of John Muggleton who has been appointed defensive coach after leaving the Melbourne Rebels at the end of last season. Stephen Hoiles, who has been training with the Waratahs, will coach lineouts and restarts. Matt Bowman will take care of the scrums while Jayson Brewer will be the club’s contact and ruck coach and is also heading to the UK and Ireland in February to scout for prospective Wicks recruits.

L to R: John Muggleton (Club Defense Coach), Matt Williams (Head of Physical Performance),
Ben Staunton -in white cap (Analyst), Wade Kelly (Head Coach)

With Glen Pilcher as the club strength coach, Mick Stephen overseeing strength and conditioning and Maris Ludman as rehab coach, the physical performance unit will be one of the best in the Shute Shield.

The Players –

The changes already instituted at Coogee Oval have seen an influx of big name club players looking to wear the famous green jersey. Bill Meakes, Liam Windon and Sam Figg are all exciting recruits from Northern Suburbs.

Three of Randwick’s new recruits:
L to R: Bill Meakes (Norths), Liam Windon (Norths) and Sione Kolo (Easts)

Alex Walker and Sione Kolo traded Woollahra Oval for Coogee and second-rower Alfred Pinomi made the move from West Harbour and Tim Donlan from Warringah. South African Sevens Representative Pieter Engelbrecht, Waratahs recruit Matt Carraro and Australian Schoolboy prodigies Andrew Kellaway, Ned Hanigan, Mitch Short and Andrew Deegan round out a Randwick squad with an intriguing mixture of youth and experience.

With the renovation of the Jeff Sayle Pavillion at Latham Park which houses the gym and medical room and plans in place for a clubhouse at Coogee Oval and a High Performance Centre, fans and players alike have plenty to look forward to in 2014 and beyond.

Another Randwick legend to address players recently was Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.
Rocky Elsom and Warwick Waugh have also addressed players on this regular Friday night event.
Of course a BBQ for staff and players follows – Photo: Ric McLallen