Club History
The Rats' - A history spanning nearly 50 years
Only 25km North of the CBD, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Warringah Rugby Club is close to many magnificent beaches and headlands. With its proximity to the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen Lakes and numerous attractions, locals and visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational pursuits.
In the 1950's and 1960's, the northern peninsula was one of the most rapidly developing areas in Sydney. With this development, a number of junior rugby clubs were formed at Dee Why, St Augustine's, Narrabeen, Newport, Wakehurst and Collaroy to cater for young people wishing to play Rugby. This subsequently led to the establishment in 1962/1963 of the Warringah Junior Rugby Union.
The Senior Club was formed to supplement the already established Warringah Junior Rugby Union and commenced playing in the Sydney second division in 1964. Its aims were to provide rugby for juniors, colts and grade players and to eventually join the 1st Division Championship competition. In 1970 the Club won the 2nd Division 1st grade Premiership and was promoted to the 1st Division for the 1971 season.
The Rats Tradition
After experiencing many difficult years with many humiliating defeats the players were reminded by Doug Leslie Snr (a Rat of Tobruk), that to give up in the face of adversity is never an option. The tradition of the Rats of Tobruk, of bonding together and making commitments in the true spirit of mateship should always be remembered and will prevail just in the same way as the Desert Rats of Tobruk prevailed. From that time on the Club became known as the Green Rats and their long held friendship with the 'Rats of Tobruk Veterans Association' and their legacy is honoured by a memorial on the hill at the southern end of 'Rat Park'.
Values of Warringah Rugby Club
At Warringah, our inherited values have shaped a proud rugby tradition that spans more than 40 years. A clear understanding of those values will help us meet the obligation we have to preserve and enhance what we have inherited, especially the Warringah name and all it represents. It also enables us to pass on a Club that will continue to strive to reach its highest potential for future generations of players, members and sponsors.
Although the Club operates in an ever-changing environment, our values remain constant. They don't shift with time or circumstances. They don't yield to whim or convenience. They apply to all areas, and are clearest when viewed in relation to these elements: players, members, sponsors and community.
The Importance of Our Players
Our players are the Club's most important resource. Their efforts contribute directly to the Club's success and lead it towards the future. The Club is a partnership built upon mutual trust and respect. To maintain this relationship, the Club must be committed to upholding certain principles on every level.
The first and most important principal is that every player's contribution is valuable. Each individual is necessary to the success of the Club as a whole. In recognition of that principle the Club is committed to helping each player reach his or her full potential by providing training and advancement on the basis of merit, without bias or discrimination.
As individuals, we must be committed to upholding high standards of personal conduct and to carry out our responsibilities in the best possible manner. In addition we must treat our fellow players and members with trust respect and dignity. We are committed to providing an environment for all players to develop their skills and abilities.
As partners, the Club and players must be sensitive to each other's needs and concerns. We believe in recognising the achievements of individual players. We will also show sensitivity to the needs of the Club's members and sponsors at all times. Finally the Club and players will work together to make Warringah Rugby Club a safe, healthy place to work and play.
