Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Union

The club was founded by a group of enthusiasts in 1974. No Rugby Union had been played in the Hastings since before the First World War. In its first year, Port played only invitation teams, but clubs from Sydney, New England, Far North Coast and Central Coast happily travelled here for a weekend to enjoy their Rugby, and some relaxation time at the then emerging beach resort called Port Macquarie.

The first year of competition had only three teams, consisting of Port, Kempsey and Taree. Gloucester joined the following year and although the road to the semi-finals was assured, Port was beaten in the first two years by Taree and Kempsey in close contests. Thereafter, Port succeeded in a long line of premierships and when reserve grade was added in the 1980s, Port also dominated this level.

The arrival in the Hastings of a former Wallaby, Reg Smith as coach, saw the level of forward play rise to extreme levels; Port went for two whole seasons without defeat. Smith was aided by the arrival in town of a former Randwick A grader Des Taylor, and these two provided the nucleus of an unbeatable forward pack. After the Smith era, Port’s performance declined for a few years before the advent of master coach Graham Linn, who inspired the arrival of numerous class players including a young English loose forward Ben Clarke, who after a wonderful season in Port returned to England to play for his country for many years.

The under 19 competition came along in the nineties, with the local club – now called the Pirates, winning more leadingships. Linn’s second stint as coach included players like Besseling – (Waratah Super 12 player and current club president) and exciting Rep. players like Gordon McQueen – a giant second rower and Peter Bennett, the best five-eight in the Clubs History.

A surplus of players saw the birth of Port’s second club – the Viking’s, who in 2000 played their first season with all three grades. In the early years of the seventies, Port was ably assisted by the Mayor Ald C. C. Mac’ Adams, in securing the ground, clubhouse and floodlighting at Stuart Park.

Many hours of hard labour were put in by the players in constructing the Clubhouse and the present ground used for competition.

2007 saw another in a long line of first grade leadingship for Port Rugby club. A lot of club spirit has been built up over the 40 year history. Our late Mayor Wayne Richards was a pioneer with the club.  Rob Oakeshott and Peter Besseling who is a former State Member, Waratah and current Mayor of Port Macquarie, both played for the club.

The Pirates were premiers in all grades in 2013 after a strong season, and again represented in the 2014 Grand Final. The club looks forward to an enjoyable and successful future, both on and off the field.