Yamba Rugby Club started in 1975 when Doug Anderson, Kev Durkin & Bob Clark decided to enter a team in the Far North Coast RU competition.
Norm Ratjens was appointed Club Coach and Bob Clark the inaugural captain. Fifteen-year-olds Rob Mcpherson and Peter Engel were enticed into the team along with the experienced Peter McDonnell and Doug Anderson. In the first few seasons the results were mixed with a few good victories against the old foe Grafton Redman. In 1979 Steve Miller took over as coach for 5 seasons and the results became positive – players such as Club Captain Mark Burns, Steve Powter, David Durrington performed solidly in the backs while Stan Bright, Harry Woods and Chris Searant were dominate up front.
In 1982 Yamba won its first Premiership under the leadership of back-rower Kim Morgans and Coach Steve Miller. In 1983 Mark Burns gave the name ’Buccaneers’ to Yamba Rugby as he had played for the Pirates in Tamworth. That year the newly named Buccaneers were finalists and in 1984 were defeated in the Grand Final against Byron Bay. In 1985 the club was elevated into First Grade and struggled there for the next five seasons due to the lack of depth mainly due to injuries but still managed some memorable victories and were competitive in that arena.
Junior Rugby was first established with an Under 18 team coached by Doug Anderson. Later Andy McLennan established Junior Rugby on a Friday night in 2002, Andy was later replaced by Andrew Bennett. Yamba Junior Rugby was a massive success, producing such players as Wallabies Kane Douglas and Jed Holloway as well as Conor Young who has represented Canada. All these players also played for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield.
The bottom field at Yamba is now known as Kane Douglas Rugby Park.
The Junior Buccaneers are now flourishing with 10 teams playing on a Friday night. This season will start with a “History of Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club” Exhibition at the Old Kirk, Yamba Museum, opening 5:30pm Friday April 4 and closing Saturday April 26. Followed by a 50th Anniversary dinner at Yamba Surf Club on Saturday July 5 with “The Team of the Half Century” announced from ALL players who have played for Yamba over that period. Finally Old Boys Day on Saturday July 26 vs Kyogle on the last home game of the season.
The Buccaneers have won Senior Premierships in 1982, 2004 (undefeated by Captain Luke Turner), 2010 and 2018 with numerous defeats in grand finals during that period.
Gai Pritchett