31/08/2026
Grand Final Day didn't deliver the results we were chasing, but it doesn't change what this season has meant for our club 🤝
Our Championship men went down narrowly in a quality contest against Taroona. The scoreboard may not have fallen our way, but their performance was a reflection of everything this group has become throughout 2026; committed, resilient and willing to work for one another!
This group has given so much more to our club than what was produced over 80 minutes on Grand Final Day. They have set standards, created accountability, welcomed new faces, mentored younger players and helped drive a culture that continues to grow stronger every season. Week after week they have shown up, put in the work, travelled, trained and represented the Burnie jersey with unwavering pride.
While the Premiership wasn't theirs this year, they have laid foundations that will benefit this club for years to come. This team is building something special, and if 2026 proved anything, it's that this is only the beginning. The future of Burnie Rugby is bright, and this group of outstanding men will play a huge role in shaping it.
Congratulations to Taroona on an outstanding 2026 season, their sportsmanship, on-field banter and a well-earned Premiership!
Our women took part in what can almost unanimously be called the game of the season! A true 15-a-side spectacle played in front of a large passionate crowd. Uni Queens came out firing in the first half and caught Burnie off guard, but our girls responded in the second. Our leaders took charge, our newbies stepped up like never before, and even our injured players found ways to influence the contest (Kaz, we're looking at you 👀). The second half comeback was on, momentum had shifted, but the final whistle arrived before we could add the points we were chasing to secure the win.
Congratulations to Uni Queens on a deserved Premiership victory!
To our women, hold your heads high. 2026 Minor Premiers and top of the ladder is an achievement that cannot be taken away. You inspired our club all season long and showed exactly what can be achieved when a group backs each other relentlessly.
And for some of our girls, there's no rest yet. They'll be back on the paddock this Saturday at 11am in Launceston for what promises to be a thrilling North vs South clash!
The scoreboard didn't fall our way on Grand Final Day. It hurts. It should hurt. Because these players care deeply about each other, this club and what they were trying to achieve together.
But do you know what did go our way this year?
Everything else.
Our culture.
Our team morale.
Our community engagement.
Our junior pathways.
The support from local businesses.
The growth in player numbers.
The increase in volunteers.
The supporters who continue to show up and make Emu Park one of the best places to play rugby in Tasmania.
This season wasn't defined by one day.
It was defined by every training session, every kilometre travelled, every volunteer shift, every sponsor who backed us, every supporter who stood on the side line, and every player who pulled on the red and blue jersey.
To our committee, coaches, players, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and rugby family; thank you.
The scoreboards may say runners-up.
But this club is moving forward. Stronger. Together ❤️💙
