Remembrance Day Rugby Match

In a heartfelt tribute to veterans and a celebration of community spirit, a special Remembrance Day rugby match will be held at Forshaw Park on Sunday, 10th November. Kicking off a family-friendly day, the event will begin at 10am with kid’s entertainment, leading up to a brief ceremony at 11am just before the game begins. The match will feature the Burraneer Hammerheads Senior Rugby Club taking on the Sydney Combined Forces Rugby Club, creating a powerful platform for remembrance, unity, and connection.

This meaningful event is not only a tribute to those who have served but also showcases the role of sport in strengthening ties within the community. Donations on entry will go directly to the Cronulla RSL sub-Branch to support initiatives for veterans and their families.

Burraneer coach Ben Haime, an 11-year Australian Army veteran, sees the game as a way to blend camaraderie and community connection, while also sparking interest in both clubs as they prepare for the 2025 season. Ben shares how rugby has personally supported his own transition from military service, noting, "Community connection through my local rugby club has been essential to my mental health and a new sense of identity."

The Sydney Combined Forces Rugby Club, co-founded by veterans Chief Petty Officer James Manderson, Chief Petty Officer Mark Newman, and Warrant Officer Class 2 James Grey, was formed with the mission of fostering a supportive environment where veterans and their families can feel at home within a community team.

For both teams, this event stands as a reminder of the strength in unity, honouring the legacy of service and the role rugby plays in bridging community and veteran connections. Join us in celebrating the resilience and camaraderie that make our community and its veterans truly remarkable.