SIX TAHS IN 'MODERN AGE' TEAM

Six players from The Waratahs have been named as the best in a ‘modern age’ team from the past 25 years (2000 - 2025).

The Newcastle Herald published the list of 25 players in December last year after nominations from a region wide selection panel.

The Tahs players are Dan McGavern (wing), Carl Manu (5/8), Alain Miriallakis (prop), Hayden Pedersen (centre), Ben Petersen (fullback) and Mark Taufua (forwards).

The Herald said the players must have played in the Hunter competition for three years and were selected on a criteria including talent, leadership, longevity, premiership successes, representative careers and individual honours.

THREE TAHS IN NSW HALL OF FAME

Three former players from The Waratahs have been included in the new NSW Rugby’s Hall of Fame which was announced at the NSW Waratahs 2024 Season Awards Night last Thursday night.

Our three inductees are:

  • Cyril Burke        — 1946-1958     37 caps

  • John Hipwell    — 1968-1981     27 caps

  • Kelly Slager      — 1996

In total, 47 male inductees and 15 female inductees were announced at the function last. A full list is available by logging onto www.waratahs.rugby/news

NSW Rugby said that throughout the storied 150-year history of Rugby Union in NSW there was an abundance of legendary names who have donned the famous cambridge blue Waratahs jersey.

In relation to male inductees, a NSW Rugby selection sub-committee agreed that the ‘Greatest Team Ever’ that was announced in 1999 for the NSW Rugby Union’s 125th anniversary be included as inductees. It was also decided that all 13 Waratahs who are in the Wallabies Hall of Fame (Cyril and John are in this number) be included as inductees.

In reference to women inductees, it was noted that there was no NSW Waratahs Women’s team selected between 2002 and 2017.  Instead, during the period Sydney and Country participated at National Championships in their own right. 

This was due to the strength of these respective teams and in turn the lack of strength of other State teams.  As such there are several players, who through no fault of their own, are listed as inductees but never had the opportunity to represent the Waratahs (only Sydney/Country and then the Wallaroos).

JUNIORS HISTORY 1940-2022

The Waratahs Junior Rugby Union Committee has compiled a fascinating brief history of its 82 years - from when a team of Under 6st 7lb boys ran onto the field in 1940 up until the end of the 2022 season.

The research contains the names of 11 Australian junior representative players, 28 NSW representatives and 86 NSW Country players. There also is a list of people who have coached, managed or trained our junior teams - is you name in the list?

Click onto Juniors on the main menu and scroll down to ‘Brief History 1940-2022’ for a walk back into the club’s junior years!