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Rugby

The Southport School has a prestigious tradition for excellence on the Rugby field for 100 years. As a member of the Queensland GPS competition the boys of TSS compete at the highest level of schoolboy rugby each week.

Rugby is by far the most popular winter sport at the school with 22 teams in the Senior School and 12 teams in the Preparatory School. Approximately 450 boys are involved in the sport with many more participating in roles such as linesmen, ball boys and becoming qualified referees. With an aim to improve fitness, skill and overall enjoyment of the game of Rugby, the TSS Rugby Department has worked hard with coaches to develop a seamless program as the boys advance through the years.

Obviously the pinnacle of TSS Rugby is to be a member of the 1st XV Rugby team, and putting on the traditional 'red, white & blue' jersey of the 'Firsts' is a dream most boys at TSS have.

In recent years, The Southport School has had great success in the GPS Rugby. In 2001 & 2003 TSS won the coverted GPS Rugby Premiership, and was second in both 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2008. 2005 the 1st XV finished 2nd at the SANIX RUGBY WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS in Japan, and 4th in the GPS Championship. In 2006 & 2007, TSS again won the GPS Rugby Premiership, outright.

A number of recent "Old Boys" have gone to play professional and Rep rugby, most notably Mat Rogers (TSS 1st XV 1993-94) and Nathan Grey (1992-93) with the Waratahs and also for Australia. Lloyd Johansson (2002-03), Robert Simmons (2005-06) with the Queensland Reds and Australia, and Nathan Sharpe (1994-95), with the Western Force and more recently as the Captain of the Wallabies in the first Test against New Zealand of the Tri Nations Series. Other notable achievements by recent Old Boys include, Rex Tapuai, Caleb Brown, Vitori Buatava, Ryan Newman, Matt Windle, Brett Stapleton, and Josh Graham, having all signed for Super 14and NRL teams (Waratahs, Otago, Gold Coast Titans, and Western Force). Luke Evans (2004 -06) represented Wales in the U20 6 Nations Tournament, and Ben Tapuai and Robert Simmons represented Australia at the 2008 Junior World Cup in Wales. Luke Morahan has been selected in the Australian Sevens Team for the entire World Rugby Sevens Series 2009.

Indeed, TSS Rugby is a pathway to the professional level of the sport, giving many students the opportunity to represent their State and Country. For further information please contact the Director of Rugby - Mr Adrian Blundell .