The Southern Cross University Gold Rats are back and have started training and preparations for their return to the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition. 

The Gold Rats have been on a three year exile due to COVID restrictions limiting the availability of students to bolster numbers for the club. 

The club is looking to field Men’s and Women’s senior teams, as well as several junior teams . 

Numbers have been strong at training and with an increase of students on campus and three high schools located within walking distance of the club’s beloved home ground at Maurie Ryan Oval, things are looking very positive for the club return. 

With University “O-Week” later in February and several big announcements on the horizon, excitement around the club is infectious. 

A large number of “X-Rats” have been involved in the reestablishment of the club, with several fathers joining their sons at the club for the first time. 

The Gold Rats also have the support of the University and several sponsors coming on board to assist the club with over 50 years of rugby history.

The Gold Rats have been a successful club during its existence winning 16 premierships across all grades, including four in first grade.

Prominent players to have worn the colours include former Wallaby centre Richard Tombs, former Wallaby second-rower Justin Harrison and former ACT Brumbies backrower and Australian Sevens captain Henry Vanderglas.

A host of players have also been picked to represent NSW Country at open and age levels, while three players - Harrison, Dave Graham and Mark Sherwood - have been selected for Australian Universities. The club has a long list of players who have represented Far North Coast at open and age levels.

More details to be announced but the club is currently training on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Maurie Ryan Oval at SCU from 5:30pm.