History

The genesis of what is now Gold Coast and District Rugby Union dates back to the year 1964. Little did they know that their meeting of a group of passionate Rugby people would become the second largest sub-union outside of Brisbane when they formed a team which made its debut the following year in the Brisbane Suburban competition. Their home ground was Rudd Park at Burleigh Heads and the team colours were Blue and Gold which is still in use today by Gold Coast Eagles Club.

The early years were marked with success with the Gold Coast team winning the Brisbane Sub District Premiers in 1965 and 1966 and only losing in the 1967 Grand Final in extra time. As a result of this success Queensland Rugby Union promoted Gold Coast to play in the Brisbane First Grade competition. However this initially proved to be a step too far for the fledging Gold Coast Union and the lack of success in 1968 led to the team being disbanded only to be reinstated to Brisbane Suburban competition in 1970.

With this renewed interest a second club was formed at Surfers Paradise and took the field in the Brisbane Suburban Competition in 1974. From these humble beginnings the current format of Rugby on the Gold Coast evolved.

Other clubs were formed which to date constitute the Gold Coast District Rugby Union.

  • Eagles 1964
  • Surfers 1974
  • PBC Alleygators 1979
  • Nerang 1983
  • Helensvale 1987
  • Colleges Knights 1987
  • Bond Pirates 1996
  • TSS Juniors 2000
  • Coomera 2001
  • Casuarina Juniors 2002
  • Yatala Juniors 2017
  • Gold Coast Referees 1978

The charter of the Union is to promote the game of Rugby, to increase participation levels and to take the opportunity to expand the number of teams in each club so that a full competition profile can be established for all from Senior Rugby grades through to age grades. All competitions are strongly contested which provides opportunities for player and individual skills development.

There are also pathways to state representative levels through Queensland Country representation in seniors and representative selection in age grade junior teams whom play against other Queensland metropolitan and country zone representative teams in Queensland State wide championships.

The Union has also developed a relationship with the Bond University Rugby club who play in the Brisbane Hospitals Cup competition.

In addition the clubs are proactive in promoting the many programs available through Queensland Rugby and Rugby Australia which provide education and participation for those new to the game.

Gold Coast District Rugby Union has a clear vision and strong set of values that guide our sub-union’s efforts at all levels and underlies our desire to be part of the future of Rugby in Queensland and Australia.

Phil Temperton

In the annals of Gold Coast rugby history, few names command as much reverence and respect as that of Phil Temperton. A man whose contributions to the sport were immeasurable, Temperton's indelible mark on the Gold Coast rugby community will forever be cherished. Today, we take a moment to honour his legacy and celebrate his enduring connection to the game he loved.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Phil Temperton was a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field. A gifted and speedy outside back, his natural talent and relentless determination earned him recognition as a standout player for Technical Old Boys. It was during this time that he caught the attention of Manawatū Rugby Union selectors, making his debut in 1962, and leaving an instant impression with a try in his very first match.

Though Temperton's commitment to serving as a respected police officer limited his availability for representative rugby, he continued to don the green and white jersey whenever possible. His unwavering dedication and exceptional performances saw him become a regular fixture for Manawatū.

However, it was on the shores of the Gold Coast that Temperton's rugby journey took an extraordinary turn. Making Australia his new home, he embraced the role of coach and administrator with unparalleled passion and commitment. At Palm Beach Currumbin, his influence was instrumental in acquiring playing fields and overseeing the construction of the clubhouse. Alongside three other individuals, he even put his own house on the line as a guarantor to secure the necessary finances.

Phil Temperton's coaching prowess extended far and wide, guiding Alleygators to numerous premiership victories and leaving an indelible impact on the club. During a challenging period, he selflessly took on the role of club president, leading Alleygators out of the storm and into calmer waters. For his unwavering dedication and transformative contributions, he was bestowed with the honor of Life Membership, both at Alleygators and the Gold Coast District Rugby Union.

Beyond the club level, Temperton's coaching acumen shone brightly as he helmed the Gold Coast Cyclones and Queensland Country teams, pitting detailed oriented teams against formidable touring sides.

His mentorship extended far beyond the confines of the rugby field, as he nurtured and guided countless young players, treating them as if they were his own family. Phil and his beloved wife Wendy embodied the spirit of rugby, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that endeared them to all.

Tragically, Phil Temperton's journey came to an end after a brief battle with cancer. However, his contributions to rugby on the Gold Coast are immortalised in the Phil Temperton Cup, the top prize in the Gold Coast’s premier men’s 1st grade competition. Phil Temperton will forever be remembered as a visionary, a mentor, and a pillar of the rugby community, inspiring generations of players to embrace the spirit of the game and carry his legacy forward with pride.