The Bathurst Bulldogs and the Mudgee Wombats are not only commemorating their 150th anniversaries but have also achieved the ultimate success in their respective first-grade competitions.
Established in 1874, the Bathurst Bulldogs and Mudgee Wombats have become iconic symbols of their communities. Over the past century and a half, these clubs have been instrumental in fostering local talent, building community spirit, and promoting the sport of rugby union across the region.
These two country clubs also share their 150th anniversary with NSW Rugby Union.
The Bathurst Bulldogs are a vital component of the Bathurst community. They have actively engaged in community service, promoting the values of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship that rugby embodies throughout Bathurst.
Most notable, is their Rugby Disabilities Program that they run in conjunction with Vivability, NSW Rugby For Good and Intersport Bathurst.
In addition to this, they've also donated to several organisations (Vivability, Bathurst Women’s Refuge and NSW Breast Cancer) after their Ladies Day and Memorial Day auctions and fundraising.
The club's positive impact off the field remains one of our proudest achievements.
150th Year Celebration & Achievements
The 2024 season was a celebration of their 150 years of rugby in Bathurst.
All the junior and senior teams wore one-off commemorative jumpers for the year. They also held an annual Ladies' Day and Memorial Day with the 150 years as the focal point of these celebrations.
The highlight of the season celebrations was the Bathurst Rugby Ball held in May. The event was attended by approximately 350 past & present players, supporters and sponsors.
President Phill Newtown touched upon the significance of the grand final day, not only for first grade but the whole club.
"Grand Final day was extremely special for the club, to win premierships in 1st Grade, 2nd Grade and Colts on the day just made the year so much more worthwhile and special for everyone involved with the club.
The 1st Grade premiership was just icing on the cake for what was arguably one of the most successful days and years in the club's history."
Representatives
Ron Graham - Wallabies, 1973 debut
Lars Hedberg - Waratahs, 1972 debut, Wallabies
Martin Roebuck - Australian U21s, Waratah (1988) Wallabies (1991) (1991 World Cup)
Matthew Stocks - Australian U21s
Nick Lavelle - Australian U21s
Sam Roberson - Australian Schoolboy & Aus U20s
James McLaren - Scotland (1999 & 2003 World Cup)
Tom Hooper - Wallabies, Brumbies (2023 World Cup)
Lachlan Hooper - Junior Wallabies
Hugh Bokenham - Junior Wallabies
Jacinta Windsor - NSW Waratahs Women
Claudia McLaren - Super W Rugby Presidents XV
Jakiya Whitfeld - Australian 7s, Jillaroos
Martia Shoulder - Australian Women's Police
Early 1900s Representatives - Jess Dibley, Bert Reid, the Barton Brothers, Tom Palmer, and George Anelzark
The Mudgee Rugby Club is an integral part of the Mudgee community. They are a family club that is inclusive from under 6s to Golden Oldies.
Their doors are open to anyone who wishes to become involved as a player, coach, manager, committee person or supporter.
With a successful Women’s team that has been in place for the last nine seasons and also with many young girls playing in our junior ranks. The club is a social hub with magnificent new facilities that have been provided in cooperation with the Mid-Western Regional Council.
150th Year Celebrations & Achievements
They celebrated their 150th year milestone by holding a Gala dinner at the beginning of the season attended by over 200 people including 15 life members. Teams of the era were selected and presented to the gathering, the club's history was highlighted, a panel discussion with present players was held and the President, Ros Lee, gave a stirring address.
Mudgee was lucky enough to end their 150th anniversary with a first-grade premiership.
Ross Smith had this to say about the club's famous victories.
"After close losses in three previous grand finals, to win this one was a huge achievement and relief for the club but to do it in our 150th year was next level.
The elation and excitement in the clubhouse after the wins (second grade also won) was palpable as they celebrated well into the evening and later at one of the club’s major sponsors, the Oriental Hotel.
It was a credit to the players and coach, John Carters, that they stuck to the task after the disappointments of the previous years. It was also great that the supporters stuck by the club, with a record crowd of close to 3,000 attending the grand final."
Representatives
Herb Daly - First Wallabies 1908, NSW early 1900s
Harold Smith - NSW early 1900s
Michael Cox - NSW early 1960s
Joel Wilson - Australian U21s, Australia A's, 50+ Brumbies caps
Nathan Sievert - Australian Schoolboys, NSW Waratahs
Matthew Sandell - Australian Schoolboys, NSW Waratahs
Andrew Webb - Australian Schoolboys
