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Get the latest news from the Lions Den.
Tim Dalecki appointed Strength & Conditioning coach for 2024
15 November 2023
Wests Rugby are pleased to announce that Tim Dalecki is our new Strength and Conditioning coach for 2024! Tim has a wealth of experience with Wanneroo rugby club, Warringah Rugby club, NSW Samoa Rugby, NSW and Rugby Australia junior teams as well as the Beaches strength & conditioning academy on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. We are looking forward to the gym sessions as well as the grind at training starting next week. Welcome to the Lions family!
Change of date - Notice of Wests Rugby 2023 Annual General Meeting
12 November 2023
Notice to all members of the Western District Rugby Football Club Incorporated that the 2023 Annual General Meeting will now be held:
at: 7.30pm
on: Thursday, 7 December 2023
at: Weetangera Oval, Southwell Street, Weetangera.
It is proposed that the following business will be conducted at the Annual General Meeting:
- confirmation of the minutes of the 15 December 2022 Annual General Meeting
- presentation of Management Committee reports,
- election of Club Patrons,
- election of Office Bearers (except the Club Captains),
- confirmation of nominations of Ordinary Members,
- election of life member, and
- election of Auditor.
Nominations for positions on the Management Committee (Office Bearers and Ordinary Members) are now open to all members. Nominations must be on the 2023-24 Management Committee Nomination Form. Completed and signed nominations must be submitted to the Secretary via email to keven.whitton@gmail.com before 7.30pm on Thursday, 30 November 2023.
The Management Committee (including Club Captains) is limited to a maximum of 16 members. Nominations for Management Committee positions will only be accepted after 7.30pm on 30 November 2023 if no nominations, or insufficient nominations, are received before 7.30pm on 30 November 2023.
Special resolution:
Proposal to elect a life member.
4 Wests players selected for the Brumbies tour of Japan
5 October 2023
Congratulations to 4 Wests players Luke Reimer, Declan Meredith, Austin Anderson and late call up Timoci Naivaluwaqa on their selection for the upcoming Brumbies 2 game tour of Japan. All the best boys!
2 Wests players named in the Griffins side to play in the Australian Rugby Shield
28 September 2023
Congratulations to Fiu Gibson and Rohnin Parsons on their selection in the Griffins side to play in the Australian Rugby Shield.
3 Wests players named in the Kestrals side to play in the Australian Rugby Shield
28 September 2023
Congratulations to Jane Morrison, Chioma Enyi and Becka Marsters on their selection in the Kestrals side to play in the Australian Rugby Shield.
Marco Cecere signs for 2024 as head coach
17 September 2023
Wests Rugby are delighted to announce head coach Marco Cecere has agreed to return for the 2024 season. Cecere led the first grade team to the semi-finals this year and is excited for the new season. “We definitely moved in the right direction as a club this year. It was very disappointing not to progress further however I’m very confident we can challenge for the title next year. We have some extremely talented players and will be adding even more quality in 2024” Cecere said.
Declan Meredith wins the 2023 Macdougall Medal
12 September 2023
Last night 1st grade captain Declan Meredith won the Macdougall Medal by a landslide. Declan has had an amazing year capped off with his Brumbies debut earlier in the year. Declan also won the presidents trophy at our presentation night as the best player in 1st grade.
Mereoni Namositava wins the 2023 Louise Ferris Medal
12 September 2023
Last night Mereoni Namositava won the Louise Ferris Medal for the best player in the ACT women's competition. Mereoni was also the 2nd highest try scorer in the competition. Mereoni also took out the President's award for the best female player at Wests.
2023 Presentation night award winners
28 August 2023
Last night saw Wests celebrate it's season with it's Presentation night at the Canberra Southern Cross club. The major award winners were:
Aaron Green - Reg Crilley Award - most outstanding clubman
Rebecca Morrison - Maureen Larkham Award - most outstanding clubwoman
Sam Allen - Ron Moloney Award - efforts on and off the field
JB Stokes - best club player - Timoci Sauvoli
Presidents Trophy (Men) (best player in 1st Grade) - Declan Meredith
Presidents Trophy (Women)(best female player) - Mereoni Namositava
Young Lion Award (most outstanding young player) - Aaron Karotam
Best Colt Forward - Martin Holden
Best Colt Back - Rohnin Parsons
Massimon De Lutiis signs with the Queensland Reds
9 August 2023
Young gun Wests prop Massimo De Lutiis has signed a 2 year deal with the Queensland Reds. Massimo played with the Australian Under 20's earlier in the year. All the best Massimo!
Ladies Day 2023
1 July 20223
Save the date for our Ladies Day on Saturday 22 July when Wests take on Uni-Norths at Jamison oval. Stay up to date with our Ladies day on our facebook and instagram pages.
Family Day 2023
1 June 2023
Save the date for our Family Day on Saturday 8 July. There will be a jumping castle and facepainting from the Gecko Gang.
Declan Meredith Debuts for the Brumbies
14 April 2023
Congratulations to 1st grade captain Declan Meredith who made his Brumbies Debut against the Crusaders last night. Well done Danger!
Wests Old Boys Day 2023
20 March 2023
Save the date for our Annual Old Boys day on Saturday 15 April when we take on Vikings at Jamison oval. Hospitality starts at 1.30pm. Stay up to date on our facebook and instagram pages.
Gift of Life Gala Ball
1 March 2023
Save the date for our Gift of Life Gala ball on Saturday 29 April. Guest speakers are Damien Fleming and Lote Tuqiri. Gift of Life Incorporated is a not-for-profit association based in Canberra which aims to promote greater community awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the ACT and surrounding region as well as nationally in order to save many more Australian lives.
Expressions of interest men's coaching staff 2024
25 September 2023
Looking to join the Lions men's coaching and management staff in 2024? Send an expression of interest to Director of Rugby Operations - craigrobberds@westsrugby.com.au by Sunday 8 October 2023.
Expressions of interest women's coaching staff 2024
25 September 2023
Looking to join the Lions women's coaching and management staff in 2024? Send an expression of interest to Director of Rugby Operations - craigrobberds@westsrugby.com.au by Sunday 8 October 2023.
Wests Rugby Club are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Ray White Group who join in 2023 as a Major Sponsor
15 February 2023
Wests Rugby Club are delighted to welcome Ray White Canberra as a major sponsor for the 2023 season.
The sponsorship agreement will see Wests carry the Ray White logo on the front of our men’s and women’s first grade jerseys, as well as on all junior jerseys.
The Chairman of the Ray White Canberra Group, Ben Faulks, said they were proud to continue their investment back into grass roots sports.
“We know that local sports clubs are part of the fabric of a strong community, and rugby in particular provides a unique sense of camaraderie and inclusion which aligns with the values of our business”.
The Ray White Canberra business was founded as Ray White Belconnen back in 2010 and is the dominant agency in the Belconnen region.
“I know many of the volunteers involved in the Wests program from my playing days, and they are all passionate about making an impact to keep rugby thriving in the region. Being able to support them in that endeavour is something we are excited to be a part of”, said Faulks.
Having two Canberra clubs carry the Ray White logo on their front of jersey will also launch the creation of the Ray White cup, a three-game home and away tournament between Wests and Gungahlin Eagles to be played out over the 2023 season.
“The Ray White Cup is an exciting initiative that we look forward to exploring with both clubs to help raise the profile of rugby in the community” said Faulks.
“For the winning club there will be a community grant on offer to invest back into their development programs, as well as bragging rights”.
President of the Wests senior club, Richard Wyche, is delighted to have the Ray White Canberra Group join the Wests Rugby family.
"On behalf of the Wests Rugby committee and our junior club, I'd like to Welcome Ray White Canberra into the family. Ben and his team have proven in recent years they are committed to supporting grassroots rugby in the A.C.T, and we are all looking forward to working closely together. I urge all our members and supporters to contact Ben and his team when considering a local agent,” said Wyche.
The Ray White Canberra Group is a real estate agency of more than 100 people which provides residential, commercial, project sales, property management and mortgage lending services. The business is locally owned and operated, and one of the top businesses within the Ray White Group - Australia’s largest real estate network and still family owned and operated after four generations. www.raywhitecanberra.com.au
Welcome to the Wests family!
Wests players selected for Australia 20's
18 November 2022
Congratulations to Wests players Austin Anderson and Massimo De Lutiis who have been selected in the initial Australian Under 20's squad. All the best boys!
Off Season training commences
1 November 2022
Preseason Strength and Conditioning sessions commence at club gym facilities from 7 November with sessions every Monday & Wednesday from 5.30-7.30pm.
Games based training will commence on Thursday 24 November at 6pm at Weetangera Oval whilst official preseason will commence on Tuesday 31 January at Page oval on Burkitt St and Thursday 2 February at Weetangera oval on Southwell St from 6pm.
Jesse Mogg signs on as assistant coach for Wests Rugby
21 October 2022
Wests Rugby are delighted to announce Wallabies and Brumbies back Jesse Mogg will join our first grade coaching team in 2023. Mogg joins as backs/ attack coach.
Head Coach Marco Cecere is excited about the appointment.
“Moggy has a long association with Wests Rugby and I’m thrilled he will be joining our coaching team for 2023”. I have no doubt he will have an immediate impact for us.”
Jesse Mogg - "I'm delighted I have the opportunity to start my coaching career at the club I love. Marco is building a very exciting squad for 2023 and I can't wait to begin".
Becka Marsters selected in UC 7's
5 October 2022
Congratulations to Wests women's player Becka Marsters on her selection in the UC 7's side to play in the national 7's tournament over the next month. All the best Becka!
Ryan Kiely leads Griffins to championship
3 October 2022
Congratulations to Captain Ryan Kiely on leading the Griffins to victory in the Australian Rugby Shield in a thrilling 34-31 win over NSW country. Wests centre Junior Taia was a standout over the tournament. Congratulations!
Expressions of interest for coaches and managers in 2023
1 October 2022
Wests rugby are looking for expressions of interest for coaches and managers for all grades in 2023. Send your CV to Craig Robberds - Director of Rugby Operations - craigrobberds@westsrugby.com.au
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Wests presentation night award winners
28 September 2022
Wests had their annual presentation night last night at the Canberra Southern Cross club. The major award winners were: Ryan Kiely - Presidents trophy (1st grade player of the year; Jessica Waterman - President's trophy (women's player of the year); Angus Burns and Ryan Kiely - JB Stokes Award - player of year voted by coaches; Adam Tonkin - Reg Crilley - clubman of the year; Sydnee Cooke - Maureen Larkham - clubwoman of the year; Kyle Baulman - Ron Moloney award - efforts on and off the field; Tom Campbell - Outstanding Young Lion (most outstanding 1st year player U19's)
24 September 2022
Congratulations to Declan Meredith (no.15 and Timoci Naivaluwaqa (no.23) on their selection in the Brumbies Selection side to take on the Waratahs selection side on 24 September. Congratulations to Chioma Enyi (no.12) and Emily Hudson (no.7) on their selection in the ACT and Southern NSW Kestrels selection to play against the Presidents XV on 24 September.
21 August 2022
Congratulations to Sitauti Mailei who played his 300th game for Wests yesterday. Sitauti started with Wests seniors in 2003 after coming through our juniors. He has led colts and 2nd grade to numerous premierships throughout this time.
17 August 2022
Congratulations to 1st grade fullback Declan Meredith on signing with the Brumbies for their 2023 Super Rugby season. Declan has been a standout for Wests over the last few years as well as performing strongly for the Brumby Runners and ACT Griffins.
Congratulations to Michael Irvine, Caleb Stevens, Matt Edwards and Geoff Cox on playing their 100th games for the club over the past 2 months! Well done boys!
23 June 2022
Congratulations to 1st grade fullback Declan Meredith on his selection in the Australian 7's side which is competing in the Oceania 7's competition in NZ. All the best Declan!
25 May 2022
Congratulations to Wests players Anau Takiari and Kyle Baulman who played their 150th games for the club over the past few weekends. A great achievement for both these players!
25 April 2022
Congratulations to Wests player Craig Robberds who played his 250th game for the club last weekend. A great achievement!
Intermain announced as 1st grade front of jersey sponsor
10 April 2002
Wests Rugby Club and Intermain have announced their new partnership as Men's 1st grade front of Jersey sponsor.
The partnership will see Intermain become the central front of jersey sponsor for the Men's 1st Grade team. With a focus on supporting Wests as the club continues to play a significant role in enhancing the Canberra community and maintaining its position as the premier Rugby club in the ACT.
Mitchell Guy, ACT Project Director, has a long history with Wests Rugby Club, signing up as a young cub and playing through to opens, eventually hanging up the boots in 2016. Mitchell recognised the shared values between Wests and Intermain and is honoured to be able to support grassroots sports in Canberra and support the local community.
Wests Director of Rugby, Craig Robberds, said, "We are excited to have Intermain join the Wests Rugby family and thank them for their support of our 1st grade team. With a shared history and vision for the future, we have a strong relationship on and off the field".
Announcing the partnership, Intermain ACT Project Director Mitchell Guy said, "We're honoured to be actively involved in the community, in addition to connecting with club members who may be looking for pathways into the construction industry. We view the sponsorship as a true partnership, and we look forward to building a strong future together."
Thinkstream announced as shorts sponsor for 2022
8 April 2022
Wests Rugby Club and Thinkstream have announced their new partnership as shorts sponsor for both the men's and women's teams in 2022.
Managing Director Adam Mitchell is really excited to re-engage with the club. Growing up as a proud Belconnen local, Adam started playing rugby with Wests in 1993 in U14's. After a couple of years with the Wests juniors Adam left to pursue opportunities with St Edmunds, Canberra Kookaburras / Vikings, the AIS and Brumby Runners, returning to Wests in 2000. After winning the 2000, 2001 and 2002 premierships and 90+ first grade games, Adam move to Scotland in 2004 to accept an offer to play with Galashiels. Upon returning to Australia and with work and family commitments taking priority, Adam played a few more lower grade games with Wests before hanging up the boots. With former teammates now in Director and Coaching positions, it's a privilege to be able to contribute to the club again. Adam and his family are proud to be sponsoring the club that started his rugby career and in turn laid the foundations for his professional journey.
Thinkstream is an ICT delivery consultancy and contracting firm specialising in Federal Government system implementation, founded in 2010. Over the past 12 years Thinkstream has grown from a start-up to a highly respected, innovative, connected, and trusted partner of choice, consistently delivering successful outcomes. Our management team are active practitioners, having built their careers working on major ICT programs with private enterprise and government over the past 20 years. Thinkstream have an extensive network of trusted SME’s, employees and contractors which has been built upon a foundation of shared delivery experiences within the industry. Our team represents an effective enabling capability for our clients, providing expertise in support of digital transformation initiatives.
At Thinkstream, one of our most important aims is to do our part for the local community. We are proud to be associated with and support numerous local organisations.
Welcome to the Wests family!!
Bigshot announced as the 2002 women's major jersey sponsor
1 April 2022
BIGSHOT Drinks
Our Culture is to bring out the Bigshot in you…
Bigshot is all about character. It’s about personality and charisma. And that’s the feeling we want to pass on while you enjoy our sophisticated brewed drink with your mates. Be the Bigshot of the hour! Bigshot is an all natural Aussie Brewed Craft Spritzer or simply a flavoured wine spritzer. To be enjoyed Chilled, straight from the can, after a big game!
Bigshot is proud to have the Wests Women's Rugby team as their first sponsored team in Australia - we believe strongly in investment in the development of Women's Rugby in Canberra and Australia.
We are looking forward to watching the women put on some BIG SHOT'S of their own this season!
https://www.bigshotdrinks.com.au/home
Welcome to the Wests family!!
Pre-season trip
29 March 2022
Over the weekend of 25-27 March Wests took 1sts, 2nds and colts to Newcastle staying by the beach to play the Hunter Wildfires on their pre-season trip. Tough games were encountered by all grades with the Shute Shield contenders coming out on top. A great night led by club captain Kyle Baulman topped the weekend off.
Lyneham/Wests Rugby 60 Year reunion
25 February 2022
Over the weekend of 6-8 May we will be celebrating 60 years of Lyneham/Wests Rugby.
The format for the weekend is:
6 May - Friday night function in Catchpoles
7 May - Saturday rugby and Saturday night official reunion function at the Canberra Southern Cross Club at Woden
8 May - Sunday BBQ at the grounds of Canberra high school.
As part of our celebrations we have 3 cotton jerseys reflecting Lyneham and Wests Rugby. See images and sizing chart below. Jerseys need to be ordered by Sunday 20 March to guarantee arrival for the reunion weekend. Click here for the booking form. There is a 4 part payment plan for the jerseys and reunion function.
Costs for the functions/jerseys:
Friday night - $25 - 2 drinks and canapes
Saturday night - $125 reunion dinner and drinks
$200 - reunion dinner, drinks and reunion jersey
$205 - reunion dinner, drinks and name on the back of the reunion jersey
Sunday BBQ and drinks - free
Reunion jersey only - $100
Reunion jersey with name on the back of the jersey - $105
Training has commenced for 2022
25 January 2022
Training has commenced for the 2022 season. Tuesday nights are at Page oval on Burkitt St and Thursday nights are at Weetangera oval on Southwell St. Training commences at 6pm. All new and existing players are welcome. For more information contact Director of Rugby Operations - craigrobberds@westsrugby.com.au
New women's coach announced for 2022
20 November 2021
Wests Rugby is pleased to announce the signing of former Brumbies women's representative player and ACT Brumbies Under 16 girls coach Frances Langi as our new women's head coach for 2022! Welcome to the Lions!!
New director of rugby operations announced for 2022
20 October 2021
3 November 2021
Wests Rugby is pleased to announce that Craig Robberds is our new Director of Rugby Operations in 2022
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New head coach announced for 2022/23
15 October 2021
Former Wests Junior and 2 times John I Dent Cup premiership winner Marco Cecere announced as the new Head Coach for Wests for 2022/3.
Expressions of interest for coaches and managers for all grades in 2022
October 2021
Wests Rugby are taking expressions of interests from coaches and managers interested in joining our program for the 2022 season. We are looking for coaches and managers to be part of teams from 1st grade through to 4th grade, as well as our women's and colts (under 20's) program. Applications, with relevant experience, should be sent to president@westslions.com.au
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Wests Junior Development Officer
announced for 2021/22
October 2021
Wests Rugby are pleased to be able announce that Josh Riley has been appointed as our part time rugby development officer to help grow the game in Belconnen. Josh has a wealth of experience with previous roles as a development officer for the Queensland Reds for Far North Queensland as well as currently as a part time development officer for Brumbies Rugby. Wests would like to thank our members plus Wests Junior Rugby Union for making this position possible!
Director of Rugby Operations Advertisement
October 2021
Wests Rugby are currently seeking applications for the Director of Rugby Operations for the 2022 season.
1st Grade Coaching Advertisement
September 2021
Wests Rugby are currently seeking applications for the 1st Grade Coach for 2022 season.
November 10, 2020
Join the Lions latest initiative to assist in the holistic development for young aspiring male and female Rugby players in the ACT. Open to all
November 11, 2020
Wests 1st Grade Coach Adam Butt returns in 2021 to build on a successful 2020.
November 16, 2020
Head Coach Adam Butt pairs up with new Director of Rugby to take Wests to new heights in 2021.
July 20, 2019
Wests Rugby are seeking Expressions of Interests for a committed and innovative 1st Grade Coach who will be responsible for the delivery of our Rugby Program and driving results in our top grade.
Expressions of interest close end of Friday 2nd august.
Rigter marks 300 games
January 01, 2020
After a phone call with Wests Life Member Ken Sutherland in 1993, Chris"Squid" Rigter hasn't looked back.
November 15, 2018
Season 2019 is beginning to take shape with former All Black Isitolo Maka appointed as 1st Grade Forwards Coach for the 2019 season
August 05, 2018
Wests Rugby has restructured their rugby program and commenced recruitment for a new Director of Rugby in preparation for the 2019 season.
Job details within the article.
Wests legend and veteran Sitauti Mailei plays his 250th game for Wests this weekend.
Wests stalwart and all round great guy Matt Jones set to reach 100 club games for Wests as the Lions take on Uni-Norths at the Barn this weekend.
May 03, 2018
In his first season for Wests, in April the young half back began a trip from Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory to join his new rugby club in the heart of the Belconnen district, Canberra.
April 19, 2018
Drew Southwell relishing his return to where it all began.
April 12, 2018
Wests Rugby announce Mitch Tye as the new First Grade Captain for Wests, ahead of the season opener against Easts tomorrow.
April 05, 2018
Coach Ryan, is orchestrating a healthy culture and a winning formula for Wests 3rd Grade in 2018.
March 07, 2018
Harry Lloyd signs a two-year deal with the Western Force, and will depart for the West Coast of Australia in the coming weeks.
The Wests Rugby Colts program is building momentum and a quiet level of confidence is growing inside the young Lions squad.
February 20, 2018
Wests new recruit, Scott Wilson's rugby journey is a path less travelled.
February 01, 2018
Wests First Grade Captain, Harrison (Harry) Lloyd has been named on the Brumbies bench in their opening trial match against the Melbourne Rebels this Saturday, 3rd February..
January 17, 2018
Wests Rugby is very pleased to introduce our newly appointed Commercial Operations Manager, Maligi ‘Mils’ Finau.
January 08, 2018
Wests Rugby Club is very proud to announce the appointment of Wests Legend Matthew ‘Sully’ Sutherland as Strategic Business Partner and Chief Executive Officer Tim Arnold to the Committee for 2018.
Former Super Rugby players appointed as skills coaches
January 01, 2018
Former Western Force and Wests Rugby stalwarts, Troy Takiari and Jon McGrath have been appointed as specialist skills coaches for the 2018 season. Takiari, a front row forward, and McGrath, a former half back, will focus on increasing core skills, to ensure the Wests rugby program for 2018 is the best in Canberra.
Job Advert: Manager commercial Operations
December 31, 2017
Western Districts is seeking a committed and innovative Commercial Operations Manager who will be responsible for the delivery of all Wests activities to drive revenue and organisational management across the club. The position must contribute and commit to a strong commercial operation to enable the club to perform at the highest level.
