The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), Sydney’s inaugural rugby team has wound-up an exciting and successful year in the New South Wales (NSW) Suburban Rugby Union Competition.
The Notre Dame Crusaders bowed out of the competition last weekend in a close semi-finals match against season favourites, Lane Cove.
Club President, James Gryphon, said that though the end result was disappointing, the whole team was thrilled with how far they got in their first season and how strong and determined they have become in such a short time.
“Whilst we are a young club, we’ve proven we are tough competitors with a number of significant victories throughout the season. We are already looking forward to next season and the successes it’s sure to bring.
“The Notre Dame Crusaders have represented the University proudly, have become a permanent fixture on Campus and have served to bring UNDA closer to the local community,” said James.
Club Captain, Ben Dewston, said the great performance of the team’s inaugural season can be credited to the ability and character of the players, coaches, and officials alike.
“The Club has developed so well this year, and we can only envisage it growing in stature. We are all really proud to be playing for Notre Dame,” said Ben.
The Notre Dame Crusaders formed last year when a small group of students were playing for a team near by and decided they wanted to start a Rugby Club at the University.
“A group of us got together and started gathering names for a team. Suddenly five guys turned into 20 and 20 turned into 50. Everybody knew there was hard work involved in launching a new club, but they were still keen to do it,” said James.
Currently there are two Notre Dame teams playing for Division Five of the Suburban Rugby Competition.