with Matt “ Duck Man ” Austin
Everywhere you travel over the countryside , you ’ ll meet some old timers with some rugby stories about back in the day . Everything was better back then ; it resonates with me too . The older I get the better I was or at least I thought I was . There ’ s nothing like being a legend in your own lunchtime !
On the backend of the Covid lockdowns in 2022 , the idea was borne to provide these weekend warriors the opportunity to get back out on the field to keep the dream alive and keep playing rugby , where many had slowly dissipated away from the game . This was much to the relief of many chemists , physiotherapists and even wives of players who needed their own time .
So , Hexagon rugby was born . Mark Swindell and Matt Smith started it . The name came from the idea that there would be six clubs with six teams to create the Hexagon competition . The objectives were to create a rugby product that engages our target player group ( 35-55 ) to play rugby regularly and increase participation across the local area .
They also wanted to expand the pool of players across all clubs and keep rugby being played , to create a competition that eliminates barriers to participation ( travelling distance , Sundays , lots of games ), get ex-rugby players back to the game , especially rugby dads / coaches and provide mental health benefits for core age
|
group through building a community .
Some of the barriers for participation that the organisers of Hexagon Rugby found were the games provided for o35s players on Sunday were played very often , right across the Sydney area and regional NSW and quite a lot of these players who were dads were involved in kids ’ rugby , worked throughout the week and wanted something that was semi competitive without being overboard .
The target was to run matches on Friday nights , and this was a big hit with the original founding clubs who wanted to provide their members with opportunities to play .
The initial clubs involved were – Eastwood Charcoals , Oakhill Withered Oaks , Hornsby Busted Lions , Hills District O ’ 35 ’ s , Lindfield Funnelwebs , KWP Limping Leos and Wahroonga Toothless Tigers . In 2024 the result saw a 45 % increase in participation compared to 2023 – they expect continued growth again in 2025 .
It has seen the continued growth with guys who have played now bringing their mates to help grow the game , with a huge focus on the mental health and social aspect of rugby , still play and be involved .
The social element and community of rugby is huge and they ’ ve had social events such as the end of season curry night ( with a sing song – always good fun ), Bathurst tour where players from all teams are invited to join the ‘ Hexagon Barbarians ’ and unite as one squad for the weekend Gala .
|
Their point of difference is that they don ’ t want to detract from the existing Golden Oldies rugby which provides everyone over 35 an opportunity to play rugby .
They want to focus on their demographic of the 35-55 year old guys who have been lost to playing club rugby , but now have an opportunity to keep playing , and free up their weekends for family and all other lifestyle things that come up .
Matt and Mark both say it ’ s the opportunity to play rugby and throw the
|
ball around a bit , have a beer and socialise with their mates and do this with trained and qualified referees and trained qualified medics to ensure they can go to work on Monday without being busted .
If you ’ re a new player in the Hills area looking for somewhere to play you can find the details on how to get involved with Hexagon Rugby via their website at www . hexagonrugby . au or on https :// www . facebook . com / hexagonrugby /
You never know , this may help you become a weekend warrior too and you ’ ll have a blast .
|