We warmly welcome members of The Southport School community to St Joseph’s Nudgee College for Round 5 of the 2025 GPS Rugby competition. As a College, we have enjoyed an exciting season of GPS Rugby thus far and I hope that each school continues to bring their exceptional skills, teamwork, positive sportsmanship and deeply ingrained school spirit to the table, each weekend.
Through GPS sport and activities, we have been sharing in the Spirit of Fellowship for more than 100 years and it is fantastic to see students participating in weekend sport with such joy, tenacity, commitment and sportsmanship.
As we reach the half-way point of another exciting GPS season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey of one of our own; a Nudgee Old Boy whose rugby story has come full circle in recent weeks. James O’Connor has been recalled to the Wallabies squad. What makes this moment so powerful isn’t just that James is back. It’s how he got back.
Twelve years ago, he played against the British and Irish Lions in one of the biggest series in world rugby. Since then, his path has been anything but smooth. Injuries, setbacks, public scrutiny, and times when many thought his career was over; James has faced them all.
But what’s defined him hasn’t been talent alone, it’s been his resilience. His ability to reflect, adapt, and keep working when things didn’t go to plan. His refusal to give up on the game he loves. His willingness to grow as a person and a player.
For our players; whether you’re pulling on the 1st XV jersey or playing in any one of our 40 teams today, James O’Connor’s journey reminds us of something vital:
Your rugby story won’t be a straight line.
There are young men playing in our 1stXV today who played nearly all their younger years in our B, C & D teams. There will be injuries. Selections that don’t go your way. Tough games. Missed opportunities.
But the question is: how will you respond?
Will you embrace playing rugby with your mates and not getting too caught up in what team you’re in? Will you bounce back if things don’t go your way? Will you stay committed to the team, to your mates, and your coaches?
The College is grateful for the significant efforts of all parents, coaches, students, match officials, ancillary staff and support groups who together have made this round happen. I would also like to sincerely thank our sponsors for the season. Please continue to thank our grounds staff and first aid officers for their tireless efforts on game day.
I hope you have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding day at St Joseph’s Nudgee College.
Mr Scott Thomson Principal
James O’Connor’s return to the Wallabies is a celebration of grit.
To our 800 players: respect the jersey. Respect your coaches, officials, and opponents. Be a good teammate. Be resilient.
We have a well-balanced mix of teachers, external coaches and passionate old boys who put many hours of work into preparing our teams for the season. We want our boys to understand, appreciate and enjoy rugby at Nudgee College and ultimately become fine young men, and our coaches do a fantastic job to ensure this is possible. I’d like to thank all our 90+ coaches, age coordinators and managers in the program for their involvement and dedication to the boys.
I would also like to thank the many College staff, parents, Old Boys and current students who referee home games each week and do such a wonderful job. At this time, I encourage all players, coaches, parents and supporters to remember the positive nature in which rugby should be played and supported.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Major Sponsors, Springers Solar, My Fortress and Storage Choice Solutions; the Rugby Support group, the sports aid team, and the Nudgee College Property and Services and Events teams, for all their hard work to ensure the young men of Nudgee College and our wider community have an enjoyable rugby season.
On behalf of Nudgee College Rugby, I would like to welcome The Southport School and hope you have a great day with us. I certainly hope the healthy GPS rivalry continues and I look forward to all games being played in a very competitive and sportsmanlike fashion.
Sean Graham Rugby Director
