About Rugby in the Northern Territory

The Darwin Rugby Union competition is the oldest and longest running in the Northern Territory. There are five clubs based in the metropolitan area that have senior A and B grades and juniors from under 7 to under 17. Some clubs have a women’s team also. In addition to the five metropolitan clubs there is the Litchfield Swampdogs in the Darwin rural area who currently field only junior grades and Jabiru Bushratz which is a one team club competing in the Darwin B grade competition.

Alice Springs has a four team competition that runs from October to April with most games played on Friday or Saturday evenings at Anzac Oval.

Katherine has a four team competition that runs from October to April with games played on Friday nights at the Katherine Recreation and Sports Club ground.

Darwin Competition Clubs	Alice Springs Competition Clubs	Katherine Competition Clubs
Casuarina Cougars	Cubs	Barbarians
Darwin Dragons	Devils	Brahmans
Jabiru Bushratz	Eagles	Lions
Litchfield Swampdogs	Kiwis	Pirates
Palmerstons Crocs
South Darwin Rabbitohs
University Pirates

About Rugby Union as a sport

Rugby Union is the original code of Rugby football. It is a 15 player a side contact sport played in around 100 countries world wide. It should not be confused with Rugby League which is a derivative of Rugby Union. League has 13 players a side and is only played in about four countries seriously. Rugby league is also the rugby code that ends up in the media for all the wrong reasons.

Rugby Union is a fantastic sport for building teamwork, discipline and respect especially for boys. It offers a professional pathway in the Super 15 rugby tournament played annually between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Rugby Union also offers amazing travel opportunities to around 100 different countries. Rugby Union has been associated in the past in Australia as a sport for the private schools, but it is in fact a very broadbased sport with a widespread presence around Australia.