RASIGS has a proud history of sport and Rugby is played with passion. The Corps Rugby competition is played during corps week in November.
2023
BRETT FORTE SUPER 10’S 2023
RASIGS RUFC TAKES THE SPOILS AGAIN AT THE BRETT FORTE 10’S
RASIGS RUFC once again secure the Brett Forte Cup from the Toowoomba QPS Spartans, for a third year in succession.
The RASIGS RUFC turned up in Toowoomba to play in the annual Brett Forte Cup and Super 10’s with a clear and concise goal. They were not going to give up the title they have held since 2021, and wanted to continue to lay the marker as the dominate force in the Darling Downs region. The players knew to retain the cup this year they would have to be at their best, and from the kick off in the curtain raiser match against the Toowoomba QPS team, they were going to run the opposition into the ground. An early try followed by a second just before half time, gave the RASIGS a 14-0 lead at the break. The second half quickly saw the RASIGS double their lead, and with 2 minutes to go, they were clear of their opponents by 26-0 lead. To their credit, the Toowoomba Police managed to cross the line in and restore some pride, however the RASIGS still managed from the kick off to score and convert one final try to take the cup home again. Final score 33-5.
The rest of the Super 10’s would see the RASIGS pick up two further wins against local arch rivals Rangers Rugby club, and the match of the day when they took on Redbacks RUFC. An end-to-end affair, which the RASIGS stole at the death with an inception try. The level of opposition was far higher than in previous years, and as the RASIGS were steadily winning, the Veilomani who were newcomers to the event were putting down a massive marker. Predominantly a Pacific Island based team; they had swept aside all teams so far. The match against RASIGS was greatly anticipated as the winner takes all, and RASIGS were up for the challenge. For the first half the free flowing Veilomani were restricted to very little ball, with RASIGS RUFC keeping the ball tight in a more non-traditional forwards game in 10’s. Despite this, the Veilomani were too quick on any loose ball and would quickly turn defence in to attack scoring three try’s to one by halftime. The second half quickly ran away from the RASIGS RUFC, and by the final whistle, they had gone down battling to a 31-5 score.
RASIGS other match was against a very strong full Queensland Police side from Brisbane. Once again, they found themselves early on with a mountain to climb. Simple errors had gifted the Police a lead of 21-0 at halftime. The second half would see a brave come back again. In nine quick minutes, the RASIGS had scored 19 points to rattle the Police. With the RASIGS camped on the Police try line and looking, as they would score to push the game to a draw, a knock on and turn over ball allowed the Police to go the length of the park to score and finish the game off at 26-19.
At the end of the tournament, RASIGS had retained the Brett Forte Cup, and place 2nd in the overall standings. Yet another successful weekend for the Corps Rugby team. The team had also managed to contribute to another charity event, with the Brett Forte Super 10’s raising another $10,000 for charity!
OFFLOAD23
RASIGS “SPARTANS” CHARITY FUND RAISER & WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
The RASIGS “SPARTANS” RUFC recently under took what was by far their most audacious plan to date. Their goal this time was simple. Firstly, to raise much need funds for mental health charities connected to Defence and Police Force nationwide, primarily those suffering with PTSD in its current and past members. Secondly, in doing so they would be attempting something never done by any Defence Rugby team. They would look to set a new world for the longest rugby touch match ever!
The RASIGS “SPARTANS” once again consisted of a joint effort of players from the RASIGS RUFC and the Queensland Police team in Toowoomba. Combining their strengths again, the planning for the event was 4 months in the making. OFFLOAD23, the name given by the team, would aim to tackle the stigma that is often attached to Defence and Police members who suffer from PTSD. The team would look to raise money for both Mates4Mates and Blue Hope who continue to help support Defence and Police respectively, with the weekend of the 14th and 15th October being used for the event to tie in with Queensland Mental Health week. The not so little side story would be that the team would play touch rugby for 34 hours non-stop, in line with standard touch rules and guidelines to set a new world record, which until Offload23 stood at 33hours, 33minuites, 33 seconds.
With the Guinness World Records rules and guidelines in place, the team kicked off OFFLOAD23 at 8am on the 14th October at Highfields Sports Park, Toowoomba. Team one, the Ronin Vets were made up of 13 current or ex UK RSIGS, and current RASIGS players, plus a Defence Phycologist, while the second team, known as the Deputies were made up of current Queensland Police, ex Police, and a two ex 8/9 RAR members. With six aside, and eight rolling subs per team, the game got under way at a frantic pace. Throughout the day as the temperature increased above 30 degrees, the play slowed down to what was a slow jog at times. Rolling subs every hour would see the players get through the intense heat to the cooler evening session. Players changed up the shifts and now rotated now every 3 hours. For those that played the graveyard shift, they would experience what is probably the most surreal game of rugby anyone could imagine at 3am.
With the sun up early on the 15th October, and heat returning quickly back up above 30 degrees, all of the players were starting to feel the fatigue set in at the 24-hour mark. Some struggled, however their team mates dragged them through the pain and as the current world record approached, the players seemed to be re-energized. As the clock ticked over past the current record, the crowd cheered on the playing teams. The “Final Countdown” was played repeatedly as the clock hit the 34-hour mark. As the final whistle was blown at 34hours, 0min, 51secs it was noted that 841trys were scored between the teams, 10 referees officiated the event, 7 judicators were used, and each player, with every player taking the field for 15 hours each, ran average of 45-50km, while a few broke the 60km mark for good measure.
As the sun set on the 15th October and on OFFLOAD23, a provisional world record looked set to be secured, and over $12,000 raised for charity! An amazing day for all connected, but above all, for the 28 players who walked slowly off the pitch, a sense of achievement that would be hard to equal by anyone unless they were there.
KAPYONG CUP 2023
RASIGS “SPARTANS” RUFC 33 – TOOWOOMBA RANGERS RUFC 7
The RASIGS “SPARTANS” RUFC ensured there was no repeat of the 2022 mauling by the Toowoomba Rangers RUFC in this year’s annual ANZAC Day Commemorative charity rugby match when the teams met to contest the Kapyong Cup in Toowoomba recently.
RASIGS RUFC had never won the cup, and this year they laid down the gauntlet to Rangers long before the kick off. The match this year took a unique twist whereby the RASIGS RUFC were joined by members of the Queensland Police, and Fire & Emergency Service Players, forming the RASIGS Spartans. Normally arch rivals in the annual contest of the Brett Forte Cup, the RASIGS and Police team’s, supported by the Fire & Emergency Service players posed a formidable force on paper, and did not disappoint on the park.
Playing a true Barbarian’s running rugby of style, and demonstrating an extraordinary intensity their heavily-favoured opposition provided little resistance to the onslaught delivered by the Spartans from the kick off. An early try and conversion within the first 5 minutes was the perfect reward for a ferocious start that Toowoomba Rangers never recovered from, while a second try put the Spartans further in front, establishing a 12-0 lead in 10 minutes.
To their credit Ranges did hit back with an opportunist try on 20 minutes, when they capitalised on some poor concentration by the Spartans on their own try line. This; however only triggered the Spartans back into life, where they very quickly added two more try’s against Rangers before the break taking the score out to 26 – 7 and effectively wrapping things up at half-time.
The second half continued where the first left off; the Spartans completing an outstanding and dominant early 15 minutes of pressure, which culminated in an well worked try being score and converted. As the match drew to a close, the Spartans used their unassailable lead for a number of notable cameo performance from team members who came out of retirement for the special this very special annual occasion. At one stage they even managed a combined age of 150 years young in the front row. As the final whistle sounded, the combined efforts of the 3 teams coming together had finally secured the Kapyong Cup for the first time on 3rd third attempt.
As always, the annual Kapyong Cup is not just about the rugby on show. Since its inception back in 2020, the event once again delivered an outstanding demonstration of community engagement from the RASIGS players, coaches, managers and supporters alike. Players from 7 Signal Regiment, 7th Combat Signal Regiment, 1st Signal Regiment, 141 Signal Squadron, 7th Combat Service Support Regiment, and 6th Brigade Headquarters, with the combined efforts of players from all the teams represented on the day, helped to raise over $10,000 for charity this time by the auctioning of their match shirts.
The money raised was subsequently donated to the Rachel McCrow & Matthew Arnold memorial fund, the two Queensland Police Officers tragically murdered late December last year in the line of duty. To date, RASIGS RUFC in the past 4 years have helped to raise over $60,000 in money for various charities. With more events planned in 2023 their aim is to take this total to over $100,000 by the December this year!
2022
Inter Unit Rugby Tournament 8 November 2022
On a typical Toowoomba spring day, 7 Signal Regiment once again played host to the Inter-Unit Rugby Tournament for 2022. With seven team’s participating this year, the post COVID return did not disappoint. Rugby 10’s teams included the hosts 7 Signal Regiment, the 1st, 3rd and 7th Combat Signal Regiments, Defence Force School of Signals, 145 Signal Squadron and a SOCOM mixed team.
The teams battled out for places in group stages, with some exciting matches unfolding. Group A had pre-tournament favourites 7 Signal Regiment leading way, topping the group without conceding a point again them. Group B was closer than expected with 7 Combat Signal Regiment topping the group, however Defence Force School of Signals pushed them all the way in the decider for the group.
With the finals set up for a grand stand finish, third place was decided on an extra time sudden death score, with the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment defeating Defence School of Signals 12 – 7. The grand final between 7 Signal Regiment & 7 Combat Signal Regiment was effectively a rematch from last year’s tournament. 7 Signal Regiment lost in 2021 on a contentious decision. Twelve months later, 7 Signal Regiment had no intent of letting the ghost of Corps Week past resurface. From the kick off, they went hard and early at 7 Combat Signal Regiment. Structure and discipline was the key for 7 Signal Regiment and at halftime they held a slender 7-5 lead. To their credit 7 Combat Signal Regiment kept in the match and threatened to upset 7 Signal Regiments party late on, however 7 Signal Regiment crossed the line for a second try and conversion.
Leading 14 – 5 with a minute on the clock, 7 Combat Signal Regiment crossed for a second try, to set the match up for a nail biting 30 seconds, however the final whistle was soon sounded and 7 Signal Regiment had finally won the Royal Australian Signals Inter Unit Rugby Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
Inter-Corps Rugby Championship and Remembrance Day Rugby 7’s 11 November 2022.
No sooner had the curtain closed on the Inter Unit Rugby, the Royal Australian Signals Rugby Team once again host the well-established Inter Corps & Invitational Rugby 7’s at Highfields Toowoomba. 8 teams would be participating, including new comers, the Royal Australian Corps Transport and Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Returning teams from the Signals, Engineer’s, Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Queensland Police and Ronin Veterans made up the team list. Two pools would see the team’s battle out for honours. With the Inter Corps Championship also up for grabs, along with the Cup, Plate & Bowl there was everything to play for.
The pool matches did not disappoint with some very close and exciting games, with the Queensland Police and Infantry dominating in their respective Pools. Once the pool stags had been completed, the line-up for the finals would see the Royal Australian Signals take on the Royal Australian Engineers for the Bowl, while Infantry, Transport, Queensland Police and Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers made the semi-finals for the Cup. The semi-finals kicked off and after two exciting matches the victors progressed to the Cup final. Both the Infantry and Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers would now play in the Cup final, with Queensland Police once again playing the Transport Corps for the Plate.
The Bowl final kicked off the finals series off matches. The Royal Australian Signals, who were now struggling with the pace of the 7’s after a whole week of rugby made one final push for honours. The match was close in the first half, however the Signals dug deep in the second half and pushed the score line out to 20 -7 to take the Bowl. Shortly afterwards the Police and Transports played in what was the game of tournament. 12 – 12 at half time, the Transport team were leading until the final play of the game when the Police capitalised on a dropped ball to score and convert winning 26 -24. The Cup final would see a close game between Infantry and the Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers. The Infantry who had look dangerous all day, never really looked like losing against anyone, and had already secured a victory over the Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers in the Pool stages. However they struggled to find their form in the first half. The game exploded into life in the second half with the ejection of fresh legs, whereby the Infantry pushed out to a 21 – 12 lead which they were not going to surrender. At the final whistle the Infantry had secured the Cup and also the Inter Corps Rugby Championship for the first time. They join the Signals, Engineers and Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers now as winners.
Annual Brett Forte Super Rugby 10’s 2022.
The Royal Australian Signals Corps Rugby Union Football Club kicked of its busy spring and summer schedule on Saturday 3rd September when they participated in the annual Brett Forte Super Rugby 10’s at Highfields, Toowoomba. For the past 5 years the team have played against Toowoomba Police for the Brett Forte Cup. Established to remember Senior Constable Brett Forte who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2017, the match between the two teams has now developed into a tournament that encompasses Defence, Police and local community teams in the Darling Downs region. With its main aim to raise money for various charities, while remembering Brett Forte and his family, the event raised over $10,000 in a matter of hours!
The day itself started with pause and minute silence to remember Brett and the legacy he left behind. Once the whistle sounded the show piece match between the Signals and Toowoomba Police did not disappoint. With the rain beating down, both teams gave an excellent account of themselves.
The Signals team who up until kick off had not trained or played together since ANZAC Day 2022 took their time to get into the game. However, once they got into their stride they ran out convincing winners by three try’s to nil to retain the Brett Forte Cup 15-0.
As the day went on, the Signals team became more confident and quickly despatched the Queensland Police 15-5, and a locally formed Barbarians team “The Realtors” 32-10.
The final game of the day would see the Signals take on local Toowoomba side “The Redbacks” for the Super 10’s Cup. The game itself was exciting and fast paced with both team’s defences highlighting their strengths. A full time score of 7-7 took the match to extra time and golden point. From the kick off the Signals went for the kill and with some expansive play wide scored 2 minutes into extra time to take the win 13-7.
Head of a Coaching & Development for Signals Rugby, SGT Mick Lawrence and Club Captain SIG Tim Arnold stated post the event that they are “happy with the outcome and results of the day. Coming away with both trophies again is a good achievement with what little time together we had to train” Both acknowledged that “we will have to be on our A game for the upcoming Inter Corps Rugby 7’s Tournament, when they will face stiff opposition from many of the other Corps teams who have formed into what is now becoming a major part of the Army rugby scene” The Inter Corps 7’s will be hosted by the Signals and held at Highfields Sports Park, Toowoomba 11th November.
RASIGS RUFC – April 2022 – A month to remember!
Inter Brigade Rugby Championship.
Over 20 members of the RASIGS RUFC Men and Women’s teams took part in the Inter Brigade Rugby Championship (IBRC) Brisbane between 18-22 April, representing their respective Brigades as either players, coaches or managers. Players from 1, 3, 7, 6 and 17 BDE battled out for honor’s with 3 players playing in the men’s grand final between 3 and 7 BDE.
Brigade representation allowed the players to showcase their ability in front of the Army Rugby selectors, who were building their team for the Inter Services Championship in May. By the end of the week, Army Rugby final selections were made, and in a first for RASIGS Corps Rugby, 6 players were selected to represent Army in both the men’s and women’s teams. The most that have been selected in our history. This is just reward for RAISGS RUFC effort in promoting Rugby within the Corps. The six players are;
– LT Harry Bull – 7CSR
– LT Andrew Hemsworth – 7CSR
– SIG John Thompson – 3CSR
– SIG Zac How – 7SR
– LT Vanessa Raz – 3CSR
– LCPL Faalalotonga Samaila – 3CSR
ANZAC Day 2022- Kapyong Cup Test Match Vs Toowoomba Rangers Rugby.
No sooner had the IRBC finished, RASIGS RUFC were back in action as a Corps team, playing in a historical first for the Corps when the team played Toowoomba Rangers at the Clive Berghoff stadium on ANZAC Day. The aim of the day was give the soldiers of the RASIGS Corps something to remember in the fact that only a select few Defence teams ever get to represent their Corps family on such an important day. Pulling on the shirt on this occasion meant so much to all the players, and despite a heavy defeat against Toowoomba Rangers Rugby Union Club not one single head went down.
The ANZAC Spirit which is engrained into every soldier stood tall and was ever present. Post-match the team always remained a team, and our motto of “Stronger as one” was so clearly evident. Not only did both teams show true grit, and determination, they showed compassion and mateship. Both teams subsequently raised a substantial amount of money for charity with a jersey auction of their playing tops, with all proceeds going to the Brain Cancer Foundation.
2021
Royal Australian Signals Corps Rugby Union Football Club – Corps Week update – 2021.
Recently the Royal Australian Signals Corps Rugby Union Football Club, along with 7 Signal Regiment hosted the Inter-Unit and Inter-Corps Rugby Championships at Borneo Barracks 2-4 November 2021. The tournaments were the culmination of the rugby season for RASIGS RUFC, bringing the best of the Corps from SEQLD region due to COVID Restrictions into one place for some entertaining and enthusiastic rugby!
The first tournament was the traditional Inter Unit Rugby Tournament which was contested between 3 teams this year. 7 SIG REGT (Borneo Barbarians), 3 CSR, and a joint unit team made up of players from 1 SIG REGT & 7 CSR played in the traditional 15’s format. All 3 teams gave were equally matched with the tournament having everything you would expect with the bitter rivalry between all three units. 7 SIGs took the early advantage by defeating 3 CSR in the first match. The second match would see 1 SIG & 7 CSR combo also defeat 3 CSR, leaving a winner takes all final match between themselves and 7 SIG. This match proved to have everything a final should have, with the lead changing hands with every play, fast paced rugby, perfect kicking, hard tackles throughout the whole match, with a final whistle on a controversial refereeing decision which saw 1 SIG & 7 CSR defeat 7 SIG 17-23.
No sooner had Borneo Barracks settled down from the fireworks of the Inter Unit event, 2 days later the Inter Corps Rugby Championship kicked off. Incorporated in the Borneo Barracks Invitational 10’s Corps Teams from the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE), Royal Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), and Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) completed against the RASIGS for the Inter Corps bragging rights. The event won by the RASIGS in 2019, and RAEME in 2020 once again did not disappoint with some cracking matches being played between all Corps. Running parallel within the Borneo Barracks Invitational 10’s which included teams from Queensland Police (QPS), Toowoomba Rangers, and The Ronin Veterans Rugby Team, all 7 teams played some excellent rugby. With the newly formed RAA team taking the honours in the Inter Corps event by defeating every other Corps Team in the group stage, QPS took the Borneo Barracks title over the RAE in the final.
The week closed with some presentations for RASIGS RUFC members for their service to Corps Rugby since its formation late 2016. Awards went to RASIGS Players Jacob Cutmore and Eddie Dinnen for senior and young players respectively in 2020-21, while Tim Arnold and Mick Lawrence were awarded Distinguished Service awards from the Corps Rugby President for efforts both on and off the pitch since 2016.
The Corps team is now building into 2022 with great enthusiasm to what already looks like another epic year for our Corps Rugby effort. With key fixtures such an ANZAC Day Test match in Toowoomba as one of the city’s major commemorations efforts, various representational matches, the Brett Forte Trophy event, Inter Unit and Corps Tournaments, all culminating with a two test match series against NZRSIGS Rugby in Toowoomba and New Zealand it is a great time to be involved in RASIGS Rugby.
On the 14th August 2021, the Royal Australian Signals Rugby Union Football Club, represented South East Queensland Defence Force in the annual Brett Forte Commemorative Cup match, part of the Brett Forte Super 10’s Tournament.
The Brett Forte trophy was first played by the Queensland Police Force and representatives of South East Queensland Defence Members to remember Senior Constable Brett Forte who died in the line of duty on the 29 May 2017 in Queensland.
With COVID restrictions in place last year, and the subsequent cancellation of the match, this years match between Police and Army was now part of a greater tournament celebrating and remembering Officer Brett Forte. QPS RUFC and RASIGS RUFC were joined by the Redbacks RUFC and Realestates RUFC in a mini festival of rugby.
The tournament got of to a bang with the RASIGS RUFC defeating the QPS RUFC in a close fought match. Further victories for the RASIGS RUFC over the Redbacks and Realestates saw the team retain the Brett Forte Trophy, while also winning the Super 10’s on the day. A great afternoon for RASIGS RUFC, and an excellent way to prepare for the up coming Inter Corps Rugby 10’s at Corps Week in November!
KAPYONG CUP 2021
RASIGS RUFC – V Toowoomba Rangers RUFC – ANZAC Commemoration Match – Kapyong Cup 2021
“The RASIGS RUFC commemorated ANZAC 21 with a Rugby match against Toowoomba Rangers RUFC, Sat 24th April at Gold Park, Toowoomba. Current and Veterans members from the Corps took on the local well-established Grade A team in a charity match to formally commemorate ANZAC Day, while raising money for Charity (Mates4mates). The Kapyong Cup was contested in front of a good crowd, and was not short of entertainment. Rangers, who are currently mid season, took on the RASIGS who in typical SIGS fashion came together a few days before the event with limited training time. Despite this, RASIGS RUFC produced a spirited performance, and tested Rangers fitness and resilience until the final whistle. Rangers taking home the Kapyong trophy on the 70th Anniversary for the Battle in Korea, subsequently hosted RASIGS RUFC late into the night. Such was the success of the event, the Toowoomba Mayor and local council wish to establish this event annually within the local ANZAC Commemoration plans for 2022”
RASIGS RUFC Players selected for Army Rugby
“Off the back of excellent performances for 7 SIG REGT, RASIGS RUFC & 6 Brigade at the IRBC, SIG’s Jacob Cutmore, and Eddie Dinnen have been selected to represent Army Rugby at the Inter-services in Canberra in May.
SIG Cutmore has played for RASIGS RUFC since our raising of the team 5 years ago. He was part of the Corps success in the UK Rugby tour in 2018, and continues to regularly represent the Corps at every event. SIG Dinnen recently arriving into 7 SIGS, broke into the Corps Team very quickly. A key member of 7 SIGS, and the Corp Team, he represented ADF Sevens prior to his Army selection.”
