The local sporting community is abuzz with news that a new rugby union club has been formed, with hopes that it will be ready to kick off in 2020. The Luddenham Lions Junior Rugby Union Club (JRUC) has the support of Penrith RSL JRUC and plans to fill the void in an area that is earmarked for future growth.
“The landscape will be clearer after the Sydney Junior Rugby Union AGM once approval is given, but the information coming back to us is that it’s simply a formality for the Luddenham Lions. We have the runs on the board creating Penrith RSL and a number of our existing members and committee really want to see it happen. We will be looking to kick off in 2020 with Try Rugby events in February and potentially even 7s before the end of 2019” said Adam Fletcher, President of Penrith RSL JRUC who is spearheading the campaign for the Luddenham Lions JRUC.
The idea to first start a rugby union club in Luddenham can be traced back to 2012. With several rugby union juniors from Campbelltown joining Penrith District’s representative teams that year, some chose to travel to Penrith, instead of to Kiama for Illawarra’s representative program. With significant travel to and from games, the need for a local club closer to home was there.
“In a nutshell, we need more kids playing rugby and there is very little options south of the M4” stated Adam.
Although a local home ground is yet to be determined for the Luddenham Lions JRUC, Adam has plans in place until a suitable location is found, “Nepean Rugby Park will be the short term guaranteed venue, but we really want to explore possibilities and engage the community to take on that much needed local knowledge for the new club’s direction. The landscape is also changing with the airport and new transport links, so we want to be across all these aspects which will contribute to the club’s long-term success”.
The Luddenham Lions JRUC would love to hear from locals that have a keen interest in rugby. They aim to raise the profile of the game and, in turn, the club in the area. They are also looking for small to large businesses that would like to partner and grow with the club.
“We invite you to be part of the community” ended Adam.
For more information about the Luddenham Lions JRUC, you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lionsjruc or get in contact via email at lionsjruc@gmail.com.