The 80 years of history to date will record UWA Rugby as a predominant force in Western Australian rugby union. Early years saw the Club bring many new players to the game, not relying on interstate or overseas players. The war years interrupted competition and several clubs could not survive this period. Uni, however,continued to play at a social level and ensured that the interest in the game continued. Some clubs folded but were reformed after the war.
The University had a policy that only Uni students could play in its teams. Thus, once their degrees were achieved, Uni men sought new clubs. The natural choice was Associates (originally formed as the University Associates) so then players were able to maintain their connection with the university in what became the basis of the great rivalry between the two clubs.
UWA players can be acknowledged for the development of the game in Western Australia, with Joe Lord and John Sofoulis instrumental in the establishment of Western Suburbs, Syd Mazzucchelli and George McLure involved in the development of Fremantle Boys and Perth Boys teams and Uni providing players to other clubs. Several clubs such as Nedlands, Cottesloe and Palmyra lost players to rugby league and some clubs even had stints in playing league before reverting to union. In all this time "Uni" remained intact and continued the rugby union spirit.
During its history, the Western Australian Rugby Union has played finals matches on University Oval, James Oval and Riley Oval, whilst touring sides have also been hosted on 'varsity grounds, including the interstate matches and internationals matches with teams such as the All Blacks. To date, the University of Western Australia Rugby Football Club has won 46 Premierships, being runners up on 42 occasions and being Minor Premiers 47 times. These achievements are added to the Club's 15 Club Championship successes.
The first 80 years have been a period of leadership, development and success. Through the continued passion and appreciation of the game the University of Western Australia Rugby Football Club and its members will strive to retain UWA Rugby as the cornerstone of rugby in this State for years to come.
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