Players

Typical Week Schedule

Club Training - Tuesdays 18:30-20:30 – Rawson Oval
Club training focusses on fitness and skills, as well as laying the foundation for our set piece and game plans. Specialist Old Boy coaches will assist with key elements of the game, from breakdowns to kicking.
18:30 – Specialist position clinics / open touch.
19:00 – Training starts, group warm up.

Team Training - Thursdays 18:30-20:30 – Balmoral Oval

On Thursdays each team will work together to prepare for the Saturday game. Time will be spent as forwards and backs to develop set piece, then team runs will follow with some opposed work.

Saturday (Home Games)
In a club run by volunteers, we need everyone to pull their weight - ground set up, BBQ, ground tear down, cleaning up throughout the day and end of night tidy up. Please look to help rather than being asked to!

Below are the typical kick off times for the Division 1 teams:
• 5th Grade (Sutherland Cup) 9:50 kick off
• 4th Grade (Judd Cup) 10:45 kick off
• 3rd Grade (Whiddon Cup) 11:40 kick off
• Colts (Barbour Cup) 12:45 kick off
• 2nd Grade (Burke Cup) 14:00 kick off
• 1st Grade (Kentwell Cup) 15:00 kick off

Players are expected to arrive at the kick off of the grades before to cheer them on and stay to provide support for the following grades before showering and supporting. After the grade before kicks off, see Club Physio, Fergus Tilt, for strapping in return for a gold coin (or a red or yellow note at the start of the season), then warm up will commence at half time.

At the conclusion of 1st Grade, the After Match Function will be held in the Whalehouse at approximately 17:30, where the Club Captain will formally welcome the opposition, announce all results and the recipients of the “man of the match” points. A boat race with the opposition
will follow. All players, partners, friends and relatives are welcome and encouraged to take part in the After Match Function and make the most of the Whalehouse.

Most weekends, Mosman fields a 6th Grade (Halligan Cup), who play in a separate competition to the “Division 1” teams. The time and location of these games will be determined by the Halligan’s manager.

Saturday (Away Games)
The same timings should apply at away games, provided the opposition is fielding a full suite of grades. As with home games, all players are expected to arrive early to clap on the grade before and stay after to provide support for the following grades.

All opposition clubs will have after match functions, the Club Captain will confirm each club’s arrangements and represent the Whales with as many players as possible. Just as we look after Rawson Oval, we must set a great example to the competition by being
gracious visitors, cleaning up after ourselves and representing the club well.

There will be a number of weeks where volunteers will be requested to assist with the transport of gear and equipment to away games. This will include the use of the Whale Van to transport the gear and equipment to and from the opposition grounds. The committee is appreciated of any volunteers prior to these games who can assist (where required).

Concussion Protocol

AIS, Aus Sports Commission, and Sports Medicine Australia have released a joint position statement on concussion in community sport. They are recommending not returning to contact training until after 14 days of being symptom free. Shortest scenario, miss 2 weeks of contact training and games, before contact training and play week 3. The club will be adopting this as protocol, with a nominated “Concussion Officer” who will supervise the non-contact period.

After an incident, the Club Physio, Fergus Tilt, will diagnose concussions on the day. The criteria are:
• Any self-reported incident / symptoms
• Any visible symptoms witnessed by teammates, coaches, staff, or referee
• Maddocks Questions: Name of ground? Which half? Which team scored last? Who did we play last week?
• Following the above assessment, you may be asked to seek further medical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about joining Mosman Rugby? Here’s what players usually want to know.

What level does Mosman Rugby play at?
Mosman competes in NSW Suburban Rugby (Subbies) Division 1, the highest level of Subbies rugby. This sits one level below the Shute Shield (semi-professional) competition and offers a strong standard of rugby with experienced coaches, quality facilities, and a genuine pathway for committed players.
What commitment is expected during the week?
The standard weekly commitment is two training sessions. Club training runs on Tuesday nights (19:00–20:30) at Balmoral Oval, focusing on fitness, skills, and core game fundamentals with specialist coaches. Team training is held on Thursday nights (19:00–20:30) at Rawson Oval and Balmoral Oval, where teams prepare specifically for Saturday matches.
What does a typical Saturday look like on game day?
Match days are a full club experience. Division 1 grades play from 5th Grade through to 1st Grade, with kick-offs starting at 9:50am and 1st Grade at 3:15pm. Players are expected to arrive early to support other grades, help with ground duties at home games, prepare with the club physio, and stay after to support the rest of the club.
Do I have to help out around the club?
Yes. Mosman is a volunteer-run club and relies on players pitching in. This includes helping with ground set-up and pack-down, BBQ duties, cleaning, and assisting at away games where required. It’s part of being a good club member and contributes to the strong culture at Mosman.
Is there an after-match function?
Absolutely. After 1st Grade, the club hosts an After Match Function at the Whalehouse (around 5:30pm). Results and awards are announced, the opposition is welcomed, and everyone—players, partners, friends, and family—is encouraged to attend. Away games also include after-match functions hosted by the opposition.
Are there opportunities if I’m returning to rugby or looking for a social grade?
Yes. Alongside the Division 1 competition, Mosman regularly fields a 6th Grade (Halligan Cup) side in a separate competition. This is ideal for players returning to the game, balancing rugby with work or family, or simply looking for a social but competitive experience.
What support is provided for injuries and concussion?
The club follows national concussion guidelines set by the AIS and Sports Medicine Australia. Any suspected concussion is assessed by the club physio on match day, and players must complete a minimum symptom-free stand-down period before returning to contact. A nominated Concussion Officer oversees the return-to-play process to ensure player safety.
Do I need to attend both training sessions to be selected?
While the club understands work and life commitments, regular attendance at both Tuesday and Thursday training is strongly encouraged. Consistency helps with selection, cohesion, and preparation, especially in a high-standard competition like Subbies Division 1.