The clash of two teams, the “Blue Suede Shoes” and the “Reddy Teddies,” has proven to be a meeting of equals

In the charming town of Parkes, Australia, an unconventional annual event has been captivating the community since 2015—the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game. This unique fusion of rugby and Elvis Presley’s iconic style has carved its niche in the sporting calendar, offering a blend of entertainment, camaraderie, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game is the persistent draw that has characterised every match since its inception. The Blue Suede Shoes and Reddy Teddies, the two competing teams, engage in spirited battles, yet each encounter concludes with a tie, defying the typical outcomes seen in conventional rugby matches. This consistent equilibrium has become a hallmark of the event, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipating each annual clash. 

Adding to the distinctive charm of the game is the attire chosen by the players. Instead of the customary rugby uniforms, participants don cheap suits, a nod to Elvis’s signature style. The decision to play in these inexpensive suits serves a practical purpose—preserving the participants’ good suits. This touch of humour and practicality adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the event, creating a playful atmosphere on the field. 

What truly sets the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game apart is its inclusive nature. Unlike formal sports competitions, this event extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to participate. Rugby enthusiasts, Elvis devotees, and newcomers alike are encouraged to join the festivities, creating a diverse mix of players and fostering a sense of community spirit that goes beyond the boundaries of typical sports events. 

For those who prefer to be spectators, the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game offers a rare treat—all the excitement and entertainment, completely free of charge. Attendees fill the stands in an array of Elvis-inspired outfits, turning the event into a visual spectacle that mirrors the energetic spirit of the King himself. 

It’s worth noting that the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game operates as an unofficial event, further emphasising its grassroots origins and the genuine passion of those involved. The absence of formal affiliations and commercial interests reinforces the community-driven nature of this annual extravaganza, making it a truly unique and authentic experience for both participants and spectators. 

As the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game continues to evolve and capture the imaginations of those near and far, it stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the ability of sports and entertainment to bring people together in the spirit of fun and camaraderie. This unofficial gem in the world of sports has become a beloved tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the town of Parkes and those who participate in or simply enjoy the festivities. 

Head up to Pioneer Oval in Parkes to watch the most fun game of rugby you may encounter. Friday the 12th for a 6.30pm kick off

If you are keen to have a run come down to training.

Pre-season training has kicked off for the Forbes Rugby Union Club, so we decided to have a chat with First Grade Manager Phil Prior, he went on to say the following “We have started off a little earlier this year, compared to other years. We have brand new coaching staff through all grades except the women’s, Jayme Sherritt returns for a second year as head coach of the Womens and will no doubt build on the success of last season. Greg Moxey is no stranger to senior rugby in Forbes. Second grade will be led by our front row extraordinaire Norm Buchanan. He will be supported by Sam ‘Razor Robertson’ Jarrett and player turned mentor Tom Fisher. We welcome back some Forbes Rugby stalwarts to the first XV arena. Incumbent NSW Country Rugby Union Cockatoo and Central West Rugby Union Blue Bull Mahe Fangupo has been appointed head coach. He will be supported by Platypi 400 gamer Andrew Hubbard and Forbes Rugby Life Member Phil Prior as First Grade Manager”. 

Tuesday the 6th saw the club have their first training hit out since the end of the 2023 season “Tuesday was very hot, but we got around 35 players there on the night, colts, women and grade players” 

“Our next four training sessions over the next two weeks are going to be all game based and skills. Then we will have a month break over Christmas and start up again on the 16th of January” said Phil. 

Phil has been out of the coaching scene for two years and he told us he is “excited to be back and see a lot of new faces. I took on a Rep job this year which kept me away from club footy for the best part of 10-12 weeks. Now I just want to concentrate on getting the Forbes Club back where it started”. 

There was also a new committee formed, they are as follows Sam Parish as President, Frazer Duff as Vice President Management, Tom Maguire as Vice President Players, Kristelle Ridley as Secretary, Lachlan Green as Treasurer, Daniel Beard as Vice President Junior Rugby, Randall Grayson as Vice President Facilities & Development, Jayden Scott as Social Secretary, Norm Buchanan as Bar Manager and Kate French as Media Officer. 

Please join us at our Christmas Party as we celebrate the year that was and look forward to 2024. The Forbes Battapi will be in action from 1pm so come early to support them then stay for a BBQ dinner and drinks into the evening. 

All past, current and potential members of the Platypi Family are welcome to attend from junior and senior players to supporters and sponsors. 

All are welcome to come join in to play Colts, Women’s or Grade Rugby 

We are delighted to announce that Womens XV player Georgia Cole has been invited to participate in a pre Christmas training camp with the NSW Waratahs. Georgia heads to Sydney today where she will spend 4 weeks training with the Waratahs at their Daceyville facility. 

Georgia is looking forward to being exposed to the next level of rugby and the opportunity to be selected in the Waratahs 2024 Super W squad. She will endeavour to learn as much as possible from the elite coaches and hopes to be able to share the new skills she acquires with her Forbes teammates. 

‘We are so proud of Georgia’s achievements, she is an excellent role model for women’s rugby in our area and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her rugby career. It is great to see the pathways that NSW Rugby have created for young women to progress from bush footy to opportunities in the Super W.’ Sam Parish (FRUC President) 

The Forbes Rugby Union Club and the Forbes Rugby Old Boys are pleased to support Georgia in this exciting opportunity and look forward to following her journey.

On Saturday 25th November, the Forbes Rugby Union Club played host to the annual Springvale Cup. Participating in the tournament were the Forbes Old Boys, the Mosman Rugby Union Club, the ACT Veterans and the Southern Rough Riders. The tournament culminated with an exhibition match between the Forbes Platypi and the Parkes Boars. 

The match between Forbes and Parkes was played in the 10-a-side format, which gave both teams plenty of space and resulted in some expansive running rugby. Forbes kicked off to start the match and Parkes were quick to spread the ball to their hard runners. But a turnover shortly after led to Forbes crossing for the first try of the match. 

Both teams competed well and Forbes showed off some of their new talented players who will definitely make an impact in the coming Rugby season. 

After some dominant carries by the Parkes forward pack and a great showing by the Parkes backline, Parkes crossed the line to equalise the score. The game continued in that fashion, with each team crossing the line several times to lock the score at 15 all at halftime. 

The second half commenced with Parkes kicking off and Forbes taking the ball to the line, slowly making their way up the field. But the second half was to be a harder task for both teams. However, Forbes hard work paid off when they were the first to score and take the lead. But it wasn’t to last, when Parkes spread the ball wide and crossed the line yet again to equal the scores. 

Despite the Platypi’s stellar work, Parkes proved too strong and crossed twice more to secure their win. The final score was Parkes 40 to Forbes 30. 

Congratulations to the U12’s and U16’s for winning their preliminary matches – such a great effort. The U12’s, U14’s and U16’s are all in the grand final this weekend for the first time in FRUC Junior history! Games will be in Parkes this Saturday, U12’s will play Mudgee, and the U14’s & U16’s will play Dubbo Roos.

Congratulations to Brenton Howarth who recently achieved the milestone of 100 games for first grade and to Ben Redfern for 50 games at FRUC. It was a great day last week for our Junior Platypi with U14’s and Colts through to the grand final and U12’s and through to this week’s preliminary finals in Wellington. Don’t forget, purchase your tickets for the Annual Presentation Night on Friday 15th September. Please book via www.123tix.com.au Tickets must be pur-chased by 31st August.

Ben Ryan forcing his way through the defence, with plenty of Boars to back him up.

Last Saturday, Dubbo Rhinos kicked off – straight into the arms of Soropepeli Soqe “Zorro” who ran the ball right back to the 15m, bowling the defence before him. With four players hanging off him he executed a neat pass onto the chest of Will Bevan. Bevan scored and added the extras.

Rhinos took a penalty goal to put their first points on the board. Parkes 7 – Dubbo 3. Boars mounted a push forward, spinning the ball out to Callum Reed who schored. Parkes 12 – Dubbo 3. Dubbo put the ball over the try line and convert Pares 12 – Dubbo 10.

Luke Bevan was next to score after the Boars scrum monstered the Rhinos pack. Parkes 17 – Dubbo 10. Mahe Fangupo crossed and Luke Bevan converted taking the score to Parkes 24 – Dubbo 10. Then with minutes to go in the first half, Zorro had the ball again – this time he holds it and crosses. Luke Bevan converts and at half time the score is Parkes 31 – Dubbo 10.

The Boars returned to the field, Luke Bevan added a penalty goal in the first five minutes. The rhinos rally to find the line Parkes 34 – Dubbo 15. A handling error from Parkes let Dubbo through again Pares 34 – Dubbo 20.

Tupou Vereti “Freddy” intercepted to score for the Boars. Luke Bevan added the extras. The score Parkes 41 – Dubbo 20 at the halfway mark.

The Rhinos put another two tries on with one conversion to bring their score to 32. Not to be outdone, Boars scored twice more with Luke Bevan, Bevan then converting his own Pares 48 – Dubbo 32. A penalty goal from the sideline added another three to the Parkes tally Parkes 51 – Dubbo 32 then to finish out the game the flying flanker Chris Parker finds the line out wide. The final score on the whistle, Boars 56 – Rhinos 32.

The Boars now make their way to Mudgee for their fourth finals match in as many years.

From the kick off, the first Grade Boars gathered the ball and sent it wide to Tupou Vereti (Pictured) on the wing. Bringing the ball back into the centre he crossed the line to give the Boars the first points within 30 seconds off the start.

UNDER 16’S

U16 took on the Orange Emus/Wellington team who travelled to Parkes. The strong combinations lead to a well-earned 43-12 win. Next week they travel to Orange to face the OEW again – on their home turf.

LADIES

The Boars Ladies ran on against CSU Mitchell. The Boars forward pack defence interrupted all forward movements of the CSU team. Boars ladies taking the match 24-7. Now the ladies start the challenge ofthe finals series and will face the MudgeeWombats at Glen Willow oval this Saturday5th August, kicking off at 12:20pm.

SECOND GRADE

CSU Mitchell were unable to field a team for the last round of the series so the Boars Seconds had a well earned break.The team finished in third place on the competition ladder so start their finals journey on Sunday 6th August in Narromine against the Dubbo Rhinos. The elimination final commences at 1:30pm at Cale Oval.

FIRST GRADE

Jake Elliott led the team out in his 150th game for the Parkes Boars. Elliott was presented with his jumper by his father Stuart Elliott prior to the match. The Boars outclassed the students in all areas of the match. Jacob Hardy’s boot was on fire, kicking 16 points for the team in a confident display. Final score was a blow out 92-14 Try scorers: Boars Dyllan Phillips x 4, Mesake Kurukitoga x 3, Tupou Vereti, Lewis Gravatt, Ben Ryan and Jason Lowe. Conversions: Jacob Hardy x 8, Brendon Bennet x 2, Soropepeli Bainivalu. CSU: Jonah Ruzgas, Oliver William-Hamilton. Conversions Oliver Willian-Hamilton x 2. The win seals the Boars second place on the CWRU New Holland Cup first grade ladder. Next Saturday the team travel to Mudgee to face the minor premiers Mudgee Wombats at Glen Willow stadium. Kick off is 3:15pm.