Viewpoint

2025 marks the first rugby premiership in 14 years since our heroes of 2011. This is the first time in 14 years that Riverview has taken the jewel in the GPS crown, and they’ve taken it in style. It also marks the first time since 1975 that SIC have won the Head of the River and the GPS Rugby in the same year. Why not throw in our win in the ISDA Senior Debating as well. What a year for our College! And we still have the AAGPS Athletics to come.

The Riverview 1st XV rugby squad is packed full of players who have been proudly pulling on the blue and white jersey for six years or more – many since Regis. The premiership win is a milestone worth shouting from the rooftops. These wins are so hard to come by with many semi-professional scholarship players at most other schools. The Riverview side this year have certainly proven that a champion team will always triumph over a team of champions. In a later report once the season finishes, I will offer some more personal reflection on these boys, who I feel need to be recognised and celebrated for the spirit and integrity in which they have conducted their season and the joy they have given their schoolmates, their comrades, in this elusive holy grail.

But here’s the thing I want to highlight right now: beyond our 1st XV heroes, there are over 755 other players who step out every Saturday, rain, hail, or shine, to represent Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview with passion and pride. This community of players is the heartbeat of our rugby family, and they deserve just as much recognition and applause. When you consider the success of the other Opens teams, (with a massive GPS Premiership decider on this Saturday versus Joeys in the 3rd XV at 1pm), the Under 16’s and Under 15’s as well. Winning rugby matches has become a habit for these boys. It’s very exciting for the future.

Now, can we talk about these last few weeks... a classic Sydney winter rugby saga starring the weather. Picture this: skies thick with dark grey clouds that seemed determined to make us call it quits, go home, grab a hot chocolate, wrap ourselves in blankets, and binge-watch some Netflix. Honestly, who wouldn’t be tempted? But if there’s one thing we don’t do here, it’s back down from a challenge, no matter how miserable the weather gets.

Our fixture against Shore last Saturday, was historic and hugely important. Not only because Shore were last year’s 1st XV GPS Premiership winners, but because it symbolised the grit and spirit we hold dear. The grounds were, without exaggeration, underwater in places. The mud was deep enough to lose a boot or two, and early games were played in temperatures that made you wonder if you’d accidentally signed up for Antarctic rugby. It did resemble one or two weeks last year, which were the wettest I’ve seen in decades. So, it was great that we didn’t cancel games. The kids want to play. In the wet at Regis and on 1C, our forwards were undeterred, ploughing through sodden fields like they were born and bred on rice paddies. And then, in the mid-morning, just like magic, the sun broke through, especially up on the much-loved Fourth Field, which thanks to the College’s recent investment, was near perfect for running rugby. Because Fourth has a new sand base and upgraded drainage, it was in great condition, mud-free and dry and fast underfoot.

Over at Regis across Riverview Street, on Fifth and Sixth, the rugby pitches looked pretty much as they have since they were fashioned out of the old golf course back in the late 60’s. The Regis tracks were muddy as ever, and our Under 13’s and 14’s battled through a mix of results. Sure, not every game went our way, that never happens anyway. But our View boys showed up, dug deep, and played with heart, and in our book, that’s a win. Rugby is all about effort. If you play to your full potential and are defeated on the day, that’s still a win in my books. Back over Fourth Field though, the conditions were prime, and our teams made the most of it, dropping only three (3) games across eleven (11) rugby fixtures. A special shout-out goes to the 15D team who pulled off a thrilling draw against Oxley College A’s, a result that had smiles and cheers ringing across the sidelines. We thank Oxley for coming up from beautiful Burradoo in the Southern Highlands to play us.

Down on the newly christened Fortress of the Wolves (aka our First Field), our senior teams remained undefeated across five games, mirroring the form we showed against Newington and Kings at home. It was a day filled with highlights, big hits, and brilliant tries that had parents and coaches alike on the edge of their seats. The style and joie de vivre that these Riverview boys play their footy with was on show for all to see. Open, fast rugby, precise moves and overall, a very attractive ‘Riverview way’. The crowds were entertained from the 4th XV, the 16A all the way to the finale with the Riverview 1sts resoundingly defeating a plucky Shore XV 41-14.

Now, with the grand finale against St Joseph’s College coming up next week, the excitement is palpable. It’s a chance to bring our rugby family together one last time this season. There’s nothing quite like the old rivalry to pack the stands and create a carnival atmosphere – and the weather looks promising. So, let’s get there in droves to celebrate our rugby program and your boys. Let’s cheer our boys on and soak up the camaraderie that makes Riverview rugby so special. Plan to get over there a bit earlier so you can get a park and relax into the atmosphere this historic event provides.

So, here’s to every player, every coach, every parent, and every supporter. Thank you for sticking with us through muddy boots, gloomy skies, early mornings, and hard-fought battles. This is more than rugby, at Riverview it’s about tradition, but mostly about family. And what a remarkable season it’s been.

Top 5 Highlights from the last Saturday 9th

5️⃣ 15D
What a great result for our 15D team, earning a hard-fought draw against Oxley College’s 15A side. These smaller schools always bring tricky, physical games, and to the credit of our boys, they played with grit and heart to come away with a fantastic outcome. Well done to our boys!

4️⃣ 16B
The 16B put on a masterclass to continue their undefeated season. To put this into perspective, over eight players from the 16A have moved into the Opens program this year, creating amazing opportunities for the 16C boys to step up and play at a higher level. And step up they did! Congrats on the strong season so far and good luck this week! Worth mentioning that the 16E down on 1C were also ‘El Fuego’!

3️⃣ 14A
The 14A continue to fight hard every week. While the scoreboard might not always tell the full story, their determination and improvement are undeniable. The lessons learned now will bear fruit soon, and greater success is just around the corner. Well done, boys, we’re all incredibly proud of you. I want to especially give a shout out to the 14A coaches who have been fabulous.

2️⃣ 3rd XV
Our 3rd XV are heading into the final round undefeated, playing for the premiership against the undefeated Joey’s 3rd XV. It’s a grand final of sorts, with a lot on the line. The GPS 3rd XV premiership is very highly coveted as these boys have had to defeat the 1st XVs of Sydney High, Sydney Grammar and The Armidale School. We’ve never done the 1st XV – 3rd XV double before, so there’s a chance to create a little history. Best wishes to this fine group of young men. We’re behind you all the way!

1️⃣ And the Number One Highlight?
Easy. Sit back, relax, and allow me to indulge… our 1st XV and their memorable, history-making 2025 season. Premiership winners with a week to spare. The pride, the passion, the years of hard work and the self-belief of these incredible young men have paid off in spectacular style. They are also a group of young men who have stopped to smell the roses and conducted themselves with gratitude, grace and humility. But they have been relentless. We are all extremely proud.