A large crowd is expected at Warren Rugby Club on Saturday 29 June as the club gears up to celebrate its 70th season.

A huge day of festivities is planned for the ‘home fixture at Victoria Oval where the Pumas will take on Walgett in three grades starting at 10.15 when the Warren Pumarettes take on the Walgett Ewes.

This will be followed by an old Boys game at 11.30, second grade at 12.40 before the First-grade game between Warren Pumas and Walgett Rams at 2pm.

Original Warren Rugby Club team members Barry Beach and Bomber Moxham will be in attendance, where they will be joined by family members of other players including two daughters of Andrew Wass who are travelling from Sydney and Canberra to celebrate the historic occasion.

Organiser Jack Kelly, a current Puma, is hoping that as many people with affiliations to the club over the years can make it for the day.

“The hunt is on for former players to attend on the day and we hope that the word can be spread far and wide so that everyone who has ever played for Warren Rugby Club knows the event is on,” said Jack.

 “Expressions of interest are sought from ex-players over the age of 35 to play in the old boys game. Those men are asked to nominate by emailing [email protected].”

Bomber Moxham and Barry Beach at the Moxham Beach Cup with Warren player Blair Hooper and Bogan Bull Player Brendan Nelson. - Barry and Bomber are two original Pumas players who will be attending the 70th celebrations - Photo courtesy Warren Pumas

The day doesn’t end with the footy, a 70th Anniversary Ball will take place the same night kicking off at 5.30pm at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre.

This will include a sit-down meal from Eat Your Greens, dessert by A Sweet Revenge by Blin and entertainment from Squeaky Sound Box.

“Former Wallaby Warwick Waugh (who originally hails from Gulargambone) will be the guest speaker, and there will also be a jersey auction. Warwick played eight tests for the Wallabies over a five-year period, from 1993 to 1997. He will speak of his rugby experience and will no doubt be very relatable to former and current players,” said Secretary Audrey Weston.

“We are so excited for the celebrations, Warren Rugby Club has had a lot of players over the years and we hope that as many as possible will come back and enjoy the festivities,’ Mrs. Weston added.

“Tickets for the ball are $120 pp and available now (scan the bar code on the flyer), book as individuals or tables of 10. Ticket sales close 5th June 2024.”

For more information on the event contact Jack Kelly on 0499058 456 or Audrey Weston on 0408690954.

Organiser Jack Kelly said the club is raring to go for the day and everyone is looking forward to the event.

“We’re pretty excited for the 70th reunion. It’s going to be a great day of rugby for all ages, especially the old boys, and then the ball at night will be a cracker.”