This year we celebrated the 20th year of the Sydney Convicts. To mark the occasion we brought together some of the amazing people from our past and present at a special evening of celebration, hosted by our founding member - Andrew ‘Fuzz’ Purchas OAM.

Here are some of the highlights from Fuzz’s speech…

“It is incredible to look around the room and see so many familiar faces who have been a part of this remarkable journey.

No individual alone makes a club great - it’s the collective efforts, shared passion, and the willingness of everyone to contribute that makes a club like ours - not just survive, but THRIVE.

I want to focus on just that: how each and every person that has been involved in the Convicts has played a significant role in its success.

From the players to the coaches, the volunteers, and the supporters - every single person deserves to take credit for the impact we’ve made. Our success was earned, through years of commitment, sacrifice, and determination. Those who have been part of our history deserve to be proud of the achievements we’ve accomplished together, which have exceeded even our wildest expectations. From rugby fields to broader society, our influence has been felt far and wide.

Growth and Development of Every Member
Over these 20 years, we haven’t just grown as a club; each of us has grown as individuals. Former player, coach and life member Charlie said it best: "The Sydney Convicts is as much about creating better, more selfless, and confident people as it is about winning games." This sentiment has guided us from day one.

By fostering personal growth, we have become a stronger team, and in doing so, we’ve seen our chances of winning skyrocket. But the real victory, I believe, is the positive change we’ve all experienced personally. I see more confident people, more supportive teammates, and an unbreakable community.

Impact on Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club
Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club and their president at the time - Rich McGrath took us in back in 2004 and gave us a home. I’m pretty sure they didn’t know exactly what to expect from a gay rugby team.

But what we showed them was profound - we trained harder, more often, and in tougher conditions than many of their other teams. And soon enough, we weren’t just playing rugby, we were winning. We showed that our players could compete at the highest levels in Colleagues teams, and in some cases, their straight players preferred to play alongside their gay brothers. And in some cases they even switched teams, as an opportunity to come out. We showed that we could develop players with virtually no rugby experience, into excellent players who could enjoy what rugby has to offer.

Influence on Sydney Suburban Rugby
Twenty years ago, when we first started competing in Sydney Suburban Rugby, I remember the curiosity surrounding us - a gay rugby team, and one that would go on to win the competition five times. It’s safe to say that none of the clubs knew what to expect. But we showed who we are, game after game. Our players showed that being gay had no bearing on how hard we can tackle, how fast we can run, or how fiercely we can compete. But we also had drag shows and that indefinable thing: camp. So same same, but different. Our competitors came to respect us. Over time, we saw teams rally to discipline players and supporters who would make a homophobic comment. That shift in attitude - on and off the field - is something we can all be proud of.

Impact on the Gay Community
Everyone who has been involved in the Club has helped prove that gay men can excel in rugby - a traditionally very tough and physical, male-dominated sport.
Beyond just playing, we’ve entertained. Our Rugger Bugger shows, Sleaze Ball performances, and legendary after-parties showed that we could not only win games but also lead the gay community in celebration and pride.

We were ACON’s first community sports team partner - working on crucial safe-sex messages through peer-to-peer education. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve become role models in our community, and we’ve held this partnership for 17 years - an achievement that speaks volumes about the trust and responsibility you’ve earned.

Contribution to Australian Rugby and Sport
We didn’t stop there. Not only are we the most successful gay rugby team in the world, winning the Bingham Cup six times and multiple other trophies - we’ve worked hand-in-hand with Rugby Australia to change the sport itself. Together, we developed the first Diversity and Inclusion Policy for any professional football code in Australia. We worked with rugby players in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to establish gay rugby teams. We’ve helped lay the groundwork for rugby to become a more inclusive sport for all.

Remember when we hosted Jacques Potgieter, a Waratahs player, at one of our training sessions to help him understand the impact of homophobic slurs? That happened because of you. And let’s not forget the two major documentaries - Walk Like a Man and Scrum - which brought our story to a national and international audience. These weren’t just films - they were a window into our world, showcasing what we’re about.

Global Impact
Our influence has extended beyond our shores. We’ve become a model for other gay rugby clubs around the world. We’ve helped them form partnerships with national bodies, develop programs for new players, and create pathways for success.

The truth is, the Sydney Convicts’ story isn’t just a local or national success - it’s global. And none of this would have been possible without each one of us.

Personal Impact
However, as incredible as our achievements are, the thing I am most proud of is the personal impact this club has had on each and all of us. The friendships we’ve formed through Bingham Cup and Purchas tours, Rugger Buggers, booty camps, and trivia nights have created bonds that will last a lifetime.

This relationship will last forever and be important for the rest of our lives. Each of us have a group of mates from our era - people who’ve become lifelong friends. These are the relationships that go beyond the game, the ones that will be there for you long after the final whistle blows. That, to me, is the most meaningful legacy of the Sydney Convicts.

So tonight, as we celebrate 20 incredible years, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done, for every tackle, every pass, every show, and every moment of support. Here’s to the next 20 years. I love you all!”