Vic Masters Rugby in the Media
Master Class: Collard leads the charge in over 35s rugby reboot
rugby.com.au
Vic Masters Rugby feature on rugby.com.au by Stuart Walmsley
At 72, you might think Dennis Collard is a little old for a poster boy, but his credentials for the role are actually improving every year.
After rattling up more than 1000 games for Box Hill in Melbourne, his enduring thirst for the game means he’s the perfect fit for the club’s ‘Unquenchables’, an over 35s team which plays in the thriving Victorian Masters competition.
A message to all rugby players: It’s ok to be not ok
theroar.com.au
Two weeks ago Vic Masters rugby celebrated one of the highlights of their season, what has now become an annual fixture, a curtain-raiser to the Rebels vs Waratahs match at AAMI Stadium, between the ‘Wannabees’ and ‘Old Blacks’.
Two matches were played, between the ‘over 35s’ and the ‘over 45s’; as always, spirited contests both on the field and in the function room afterwards. Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle was on hand to show her support for what is undeniably one of Australian rugby’s grassroots success stories.
However it was also an evening tinged with great sadness, with the Masters fraternity tragically losing one of their brothers, 37-year old Mike Ellis, the day before the event.
Victorian Rugby Masters tour to Shepparton
sheppnews.com.au
The Vic Masters toured to Shepparton as part of our Annual Regional Round to support the Shepparton Bulls Rugby Club’s Annual Charity Day. The day was a huge success with nearly $5,000 being raised to support Shepparton’s The Haven Foundation.
Vic Masters Rugby featured on Fox Sports
FOX SPORTS: Kick & CHASE
FOX Sports Kick & Chase followed the story of Vic Masters and the work being done by the Melbourne Rebels in the Victorian grassroots rugby community.
Melbourne rugby’s grass roots might be grey, but they’re healthy and growing
theroar.com.au
The disconnection that has been allowed to develop in Australia between professional and grassroots rugby is both real and one of a number of reasons why the health of the game remains parlous.
But even if some agenda-driven commentators continue to finger-point, shame and points-score, what matters more is the work being undertaken in various parts of the country – often outside of the media spotlight – to reinforce the true values of the sport, and bring all participants back under the same roof.
One of those pockets exists in suburban Melbourne – not a renowned or natural heartland of rugby, but where a fast-growing bunch of rugby tragics has, through their love of the game, shown a way forward for rugby fans and professional administrators alike.
Initially formed in the 1980s, then dying off, before being resurrected in 2015 with two sides, Vic Masters Rugby now numbers 12 teams and counting.
Melbourne Rebels feature on Vic Masters Rugby
melbournerebels.com
The Melbourne Rebels joined the Vic Masters at Maroondah Rugby Club to support grass roots Rugby in Melbourne.
Vic Masters: when passion wins
greenandgoldrugby.com
A feature by Diego Ghirardi on greenandgoldrugby.com about Vic Masters Rugby and the BloodySlow Cup match - curtain raiser to Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies at AAMI Park - March 2018