Rugby was introduced at Prairiewood High in 1999, and since that time the school has achieved high levels of success, both on an individual and team level. Below is a list of some of the school’s major Rugby achievements:
2008
Ø 4 players selected and competed at the CHS carnival
Ø 2 players represented CHS
Ø 3 players represented Sydney Juniors in the annual City v Country weekend
Ø 6 players selected in the NSW Talent Identification Program
Ø Open’s and Year 9/10 teams won the Penrith Rugby Schools Competitions
Ø U/13’s, U/14’s and U/16’s won the West Harbour 10’s competitions
Ø U/14’s made the Final of the NSW 10’s competition (in the sports schools section)
Ø Buchan Shield Quarter Finals (waiting for the next opponent)
2007
Ø Buchan Shield Runner Up
Ø 5 players selected and competed at the CHS carnival
Ø 4 players represented the U/15’s Western Rams (Western Zone)
Ø 2 players represented Sydney Juniors in the annual City v Country weekend
Ø 12 players selected in the Penrith Junior Reps and competed at the State Championships
Ø Open’s, Year 9/10 and Year 7/8 teams won the Penrith Rugby Schools Competitions
Ø U/13’s and U/14’s won the West Harbour 10’s competitions
Ø U/14’s won the West Harbour 7’s competition
2004
Ø Waratah Shield Semi Finalists (defeated by the eventual winners – St Edmunds, Canberra)
2003
Ø Waratah Shield Final
Ø Ewart Robson Shield Winners
2002
Ø Tour New Zealand
2001
Ø Buchan Shield Semi Finalists (defeated by the eventual winners – Randwick Boys)
The school has also had one former student, Dimitrius Ainuu, selected in the Australian U/19’s team that competed at the 2005 U/19’s World Cup. Two students, Michael Mafiti and Patrick Mekuri, were selected and represented Australia A Schoolboys. Five students have been selected and represented NSW All Schools at the Australian Championships. Also, six former students have played first grade in the Sydney Premier Rugby competition – The Shute Shield. Other highlights include hosting many touring teams from the United Kingdom as well as the annual match against NSW Country U16’s and U/17’s.
Prairiewood High School is located in the Fairfield local government area (third largest in the Sydney region) and is surrounded by the suburbs of Wetherill Park, Smithfield and Bossley Park. After peaking at 1,510 students in 1995, the total school enrolment has now reduced to 920 students. There are currently over 120 boys involved in the school’s Rugby program. The school enters teams in various competitions in the U13, U/14, U/15, U/16 and Open age divisions. A Rugby unit has also been included in the Year 7 and Year 9 Physical Education program. The Year 11 and 12 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation subject also has a heavy Rugby focus. Rugby has grown into a vital component of the landscape at Prairiewood High. It is a pivotal boys’ education strategy and is well supported by staff, students and parents.
In the current climate with selective, non-government and sports high schools, it is highly unusual for a local state high school to have excelled to such high levels in such a physically demanding sport as Rugby. This is credited to both the staff and students’ dedication and passion for Rugby. The bulk of the current Opens team consists of players from the Buchan Shield final in 2007 and these students are committed not only to school Rugby, but Rugby in general. Many of the boys have continued their love of Rugby at local village and Sydney premiership clubs, providing them with the many opportunities (already mentioned) to compete and represent our school at the highest levels.
The school’s mission statement sums up our Rugby programs key focus and purpose;
“To strive for excellence in classroom teaching with students supported by wide-ranging experiences and opportunities which enable them to develop as productive and valued members of the community.”
The players in the Rugby program constantly strive for excellence, both on and off the field. Rugby has already provided the students at Prairiewood High with a wide range of experiences and opportunities, which over the years has seen individuals develop into valued members of the community. The unique rugby and cultural opportunity offered by the Japanese Rugby Union would serve to further enhance the school’s ability to achieve its mission and provide an additional and very valuable playing experience for our students.
In summary, the schools brief but very successful Rugby history reflects the high standards set and achieved by our students and teams. It has become rare for local government schools to succeed in major competitions. The players continue to work intensively on all elements of the game, and are as talented as the successful 2003 team that made the final of the Waratah Shield.
The 2009 Prairiewood Rugby team has the potential produce one of those rare moments.
Thank you for your interest and support!