The Knox Rugby Club - Our History
Born out of the fun and camaraderie enjoyed on the school playing fields against Barker, Waverley, Kings, Riverview and the like, Graham Robinson, Warwick Evans and Forbes Pratt founded the Knox Old Boys Rugby Club in 1959.
| Noice Cup | 1975 |
| Richardson Cup | 1986, 1988 & 1989 |
| Blunt Cup | 1992 |
| Robertson Cup – Colts | 1995, 1998 |
| Herlihy Shield | 2002 |
| McLean Cup | 2002 |
| Grose Cup | 1987, 2002 |
| Walker Cup | 1987, 2002 |
| Clark Cup | 2003 |
| Keith Harris Shield | 2003 |
| Rugby Club Cup U19 | 2003 |
| Barraclough Cup | 1991, 2004 |
| Stockdale Cup | 2004 |
| Reliance Shield | 1992, 2004 |
| Kentwell Cup | 2005 |
| Burke Cup | 1966, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Bruce Graham Shield | 2006 |
Club Legends:
Two of the men who made a huge impact on the club are the legendary "Dancing Dave" Hartnell and Phil "Twinkletoes" Tuck. Dave devoted his life to Knox Old Boys for over 30 years and Phil Tuck gave up a Grade and possibly Waratah selection to save the club when it was at risk of folding at the beginning of the 80s.
Another man who has also seen it all from the 60s to today is the Club's patron, Ian McPherson. "Mr Mac" has played, coached and inspired many players for 50 years. Ian "Big Kingie" King was a player all through the 1970s and then supported four of the next generation's 1st Graders (his three sons and his nephew). Kingie has served as President and is currently 1st Grade Manager (and Life Member).
Mrs Marilynn Buchanan has been truly invaluable as the Club's secretary through the lowest and highest of times. Interestingly and importantly, a succession of front rowers have played major roles in leading the Club with Richard Martyr, Rory Scott and now Bryn Robertson – all tough as nails on the field and inspirational as Club Presidents. This also is true of Jon Bonwick who, when President and Club Captain, played centre and flanker despite really being a front rower.
Knox's story would not be complete without mention of the great Barra Brui fire of 1999 where our clubhouse of 25 years was gutted by vandals. But thanks to the efforts of Grahame Pratt and Dave "Spider" Uttley, most of the "history making" photos were redeveloped and also a great number of fellow Subbies clubs volunteered vital training equipment.
Knox has had a number of Suburban Rugby representative players including Robert Fitzsimons (66), Roger Knight (66), Dan Hickson (80-82), Phil Tuck (80-85), Lester Stump (82), Bruce Peden (83), Scott Laycock (87), Andy Martyr (90), Stu Reed (90), Chris Waite (96), Guy Wilkonson (97), Richie Lingard (03), Hamish Bayliss (04-05), Mike Smith (06), Oliver Sheer (06), Stewart Graham (05-06)
However, arguably the Club's most valuable contribution to Australian Rugby are the three Old Boys players who went on to serve worthy roles as officials. Two players became chairman of the Australian Rugby Union – Ross Turnbull and David Clark and Ian Ross is currently the Chairman of NSW Suburban Rugby.
But as Michael Kelynack, Club Coach during our vital rebuilding years, would say – history is yesterday's news. What is important is now and today we have eight teams going to play in 1st Division this season plus they are supported by unquestionably some of the best coaches in Suburban Rugby led by Premiership winners Peter "Brommers" Bromley and Jon "Bonners" Bonwick. The 2007 season is already shaping up to be the Club's best ever!
Footnote: While Knox Old Boys history is studded with on field successes, our most important achievement has been the fostering of the huge number of lifelong friendships built over 50 years through being the "best social club" in Suburban Rugby.