St John’s Takes Out Rugby Title for a Third Consecutive Year
Published on June 22, 2026
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In a tremendous night for rugby and intercollegiate sport, St John’s College has claimed the Rawson Rugby Championship for the third consecutive year.
Once again, the game was played as a grand final under the lights of University Oval No. 2. With student supporter turnout numbers bigger than ever before, the evening also included alumni (young, and young at heart!), parents and other College supporters, with well over a thousand viewing the livestream.
Coached by third-year student Eamon Doyle, the St John’s Rawson Rugby team emerged victorious for the third year in a row, defeating a strong and very talented St Andrew’s College team 45–28.
Geoff Hughes watching on eagerly as St Andrew's feeds the scrum.
Rawson Rugby Secretaries Isamu Naito and 2026 Junior Wallaby Harper Strachan oversaw an outstanding series of matches, with the team completing another undefeated season against Wesley College, St Paul’s College and St Andrew’s College.
Led once again by captain and fourth-year student Bryn Edwards, the team entered the final determined to retain the championship. After an early try from St John’s College, we held the lead throughout the game, ending the first half 19–7. Within the opening minutes of the second half, St Andrew’s returned with momentum and scored an early try, bringing the score to 19–14.
The St John’s side responded with resilience and composure, scoring a series of second-half tries to extend the lead and secure a resounding victory.
Liam Grover breaking through the St Andrew's defence.Jack Tink along with Matthew Gough, Liam Grover and Archie Matthews.Final score at USYD Oval No.2.
I would like to thank College alumnus and former Wallaby Nathan Charles for presenting the team jerseys before the match. His mentorship and presence at the final was greatly appreciated by the players and supporters alike.
Finally, thank you to everyone who supported the team throughout the season and on the night, whether from the grandstand or online. Your enthusiasm and encouragement contributed to a very memorable occasion for the College community.
Congratulations to all involved in this outstanding achievement, and to St Andrew’s College for a well-played game.
Regards,
Dr Mark Schembri
Rector
Former Wallaby and alumnus Nathan Charles making a speech at the team jersey presentation.Left to right: Rawson Secretary Connor Andrews, Matt Harrison, Kai Wilson, Dom Shepherd, Bear Marsh, Robbie Kelso-Heap and Joe Harvey.The Rawson Rugby team, left to right: Ed Baxter, Cameron Webster, Joe Mangelsdorf, Harper Strachan, Daniel Osborne and Campbell Conna.Ed Baxter receiving his jersey for the final.Cameron Webster receiving his jersey.The Rector wishing the team all the best before the game.Captain Bryn Edwards speaking to the team.Left to right: Chloe Dowling, Lucy Galland and Charlotte Laundy, along with Co-House President Xavier Leaver.Left to right: Olivia Forde, Giselle Ashbolt, Drew Babbage and Anna Macri.a Macri.Left to right: Tom Dunn, Daniel Osborne and Archie Matthews running out onto the field.Right to left, from foreground: Charlie Bull, Joe Mangelsdorf, Harper Strachan and Ben Chick.Isamu Naito making a tackle, with backup from Matthew Gough, Bryn Edwards and Charlie Baker.Ben Chick celebrating as he goes in for a try.Max Soepono kicking for a goal.Matthew Gough running into contact.Isamu Naito kicking for a touch.St John's forward pack maul working together to push over the line for a try steered by Joe Mangelsdorf.Max Soepono in action.Liam Grover going in for his second try of the night.St John's team displaying strong camaraderie, congratulating each other.Supporters in the grandstand.Tom Hartman suggesting strategies with (left to right) Darcy MacKay and Archie Matthews as Jack Tink, Daniel Osborne, Campbell Conna and Cameron Webster, and Rawson Secretary Connor Andrews look on.Nathan Charles, Eamon Doyle and the Rector.Daniel Osborne taking a strong hit-up, watched on by Max Soepono and Bryn Edwards.St John's College watching on.Jack Tink fighting to get over the try line.Jack Tink gets across the line.Right to left: Joe Mangelsdorf, Ed Baxter, Isamu Naito and Flynn Clatworthy watching the final minutes of the game unfold.Full time: Jubliation for the victorious St John's team!Ed Baxter and Matthew Gough shaking hands with the opposition.Daniel Osborne celebrating with Jess Moynihan and Livvy Mangelsdorf.Alumni Tom Bull and Jullien Caillol with William Schembri.Left to right: Annabel Negline, Zoe Andrea, Alex Fleming, Chloe Allsopp and Sophie Alexander.Left to right: Senior RA Issy Edmonstone, Freya Bateman, Ava McInerney, Sophie Hehir, Gabriella Gamerov and Arna Lane.Daniel Osborne, Oscar D'Almeida and Henry Jones.Left to right: Gabriella Gamerov, Arna Lane, Stella Hurley, Adelaide Babbage-Hockey and Zara Holt.Nathan Charles with Rector, Sarah Schembri and son William.St John's College breaks into celebratory song.William Schembri and the Rector with Captain Bryn Edwards.Flynn Clatworthy (middle) with proud parents Simon and Priscilla.Left to right: Rosie Couchman, Ava Charles, Sophie Alexander, Kate Whitson, India O'Connor, Heidi Gaynor, Tess Parker, Chloe Allsopp and Alex Fleming.Left to right: Amalia Merrifield, Mila Lapcevic, Lucy Galland, Charlotte Laundy, Zoe Fouter, Chloe Dowling, Joe Denman, Jemima Carmody and Kate Gibson.Max Laverty and Matt Harrison speaking with St Andrew's team member Lachlan Hindmarsh.Archie Matthews with mum Ruth Matthews (left), Sarah Schembri and the Rector.Archie Matthews sharing a light moment with buddy William Schembri.Tom Hartman speaking with St Andrew's student Tilly Quigley.Left to right: Alex Negline and Charlie Baker.
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