Redfern All Blacks facts for kids
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| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Redfern All Blacks Rugby League Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | RABs |
| Short name | All Blacks |
| Colours | Black White |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Current details | |
| Ground(s) |
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| Chairman | Lisa Williams |
| Coach | Dean Widders |
| Captain | Dean Widders |
| Competition | Sydney Combined Competition South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League NSWRL Women's Premiership |
| Records | |
| Premierships | 6 (1974, 1987, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) |
The Redfern All Blacks, also known as RABs, are a semi-professional rugby league club. They are based in Redfern, New South Wales, Australia. This club is very important to Indigenous Australian people. They are part of the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League.
Contents
History of the Redfern All Blacks
The Redfern All Blacks is the oldest Indigenous Australian rugby league club in Australia. It was started around 1938 by Bill Onus and Wesley Simms. This was during a tough time called the Great Depression. Other reports say the club was officially set up in 1944. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people helped to create it.
Why the Name "All Blacks"?
The club is often called RABs or simply Redfern. It got its name from the black jerseys, or guernseys, they wore. These uniforms were given to them by the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League. This was for their very first season of playing.
Importance of the Club for Indigenous Australians
When the club was formed, Aboriginal Australians did not have the same rights as other Australians. Because of this, the club became very important. It was a special place for many Indigenous Australians in Redfern. It helped them connect socially, culturally, and politically. Even today, the club is a big part of Aboriginal Redfern's history.
Playing in New Zealand and the Koori Knockout
By 1969, the Redfern rugby team was already well-known. In 1971, they were invited to play in New Zealand. They played against the local Māori team. The All Blacks played very well, winning many games. They left a strong impression on the New Zealanders.
In 1971, the Redfern All Blacks also helped start something new. They were one of the first clubs to form the NSW Koori Knockout. This is a big rugby league tournament for Indigenous teams. Seven teams played in the very first one.
Famous Players from Redfern All Blacks
Many talented players have been part of the Redfern All Blacks. Some of them went on to play in bigger leagues.
- Matthew Allwood
- Josh Addo-Carr
- Andrew Dunemann
- Solomon Haumono
- Greg Inglis
- Bobby McLeod
- Nathan Merritt
- Anthony Mundine
- Tony Mundine
- Wes Patten
- Shane Phillips, CEO of Tribal Warrior
- Reece Robinson
- Travis Robinson
- Gorden Tallis
- Darrell Trindall
- Dean Widders
- Jonathan Wright
Achievements and Records
The Redfern All Blacks have won many important titles over the years.
- South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League (A Grade)
- Six times: 1974, 1987, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
- NSW Koori Knockout Men's Titles
- Eight times: 1972, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 1993, 2015, 2016
- Koori vs. Murri Interstate Challenge
- One time: 2017
- NSWRL Women's Premiership Titles
- Two times: 2005, 2017
- NSW Koori Knockout Women's Titles
- Five times: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
See also
- List of rugby league clubs in Australia
- List of senior rugby league clubs in New South Wales
