China will be celebrating the Year of the Metal Rat in 2020.

But in 2019 at Southern Cross University we are celebrating the 50th season of that unique creature …… the Gold Rat.

Yes, how time flies! It seems like yesterday doesn’t it. You can still remember darting down the blindside to score a try, the sweaty environment of the middle of a ruck (when rucking was still allowed), training at Maurie Ryan Oval where a kangaroo court or a game of touch was sometimes interrupted by actual training, and those many, many nights of jaunting around the bright lights of Lismore!

It is a mere 50 seasons since the first Rat laced up a boot and ran on and we want to celebrate that with as many Rats as we possibly can - and that includes YOU! The stage is set for a weekend of reminiscence, footy and fun on July 12, 13 and 14 at the Lismore Campus of Southern Cross University.

For $150 you will be able to access the wonderful world of Rats Rugby for a special weekend, while raising much needed funds for the club.

Spread the word, check out the club’s Facebook page @goldrats and the University homepage for updates for ticketing details.

The itinerary of events are below.

When: Friday 12 July 2019

Time: 6pm

Where: Station Hotel, 2 Casino St, South Lismore NSW 2480

Enjoy a complimentary Welcome BBQ barbecue dinner.

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When: Saturday 13 July 2019

Where: Maurie Ryan Oval, Military Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480

12.30pm Old Boys bring your old Gold Rats gear and have a game of touch footy with your mates on Maurie Ryan Oval. Also check out the display of old photographs, memorabilia gear in the UniBar.

1.50pm: Reserve grade vs Lismore City

3.15pm: First grade vs Lismore City

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6:30pm: Reunion Dinner

Where: UniBar, Military Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480

Dress code: Lounge

A reunion Dinner will be hosted at the UniBar. Dinner and some drinks* are included in ticket price as well as Anniversary Merchandise. Entertainment will be provided by Alumni Cath Simes Band.

A bus will be going via Ballina, Lennox Head, Tintenbar, Alstonville, Goonellabah on the way to and from the reunion.

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When: Sunday 14 July 2019

Where: Maurie Ryan Oval, Military Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480
Time: 9.30am

Join us for a Complimentary Recovery Breakfast BBQ provided by Southern Cross University Alumni.

Gold Rats Rugby Scholarships

Southern Cross University is proud to offer a range of scholarships available to its students every year. Through our scholarships we endeavour to award and recognise deserving students with outstanding achievement and an aspiration to succeed. We also recognise students who are facing financial hardship and other barriers preventing them from studying. To mark the 50 Year milestone of SCU Gold Rat Rugby we are launching a Rugby Scholarship Fund.

When you give to Southern Cross University, you can have complete confidence that 100% of your donation goes to the area that you support and gifts over $2 are tax deductible in Australia. There is no administrative overhead charged against the donation. Please note, Deductible Gift Receipts will be issued separately.

Contact the host of 50 Years of Gold Rats Rugby