A 100-year rugby rivalry that has fuelled some of the most explosive club rugby in Australia is expected to cause a heated clash on Saturday, as UQ Rugby challenges Brothers Rugby Club.
The century-old conflict between UQ vs Brothers will continue in 2012 with the 3pm kick-off at The University of Queensland St Lucia sports grounds.
Former UQ rugby player and current Wallabies captain James Horwill said there had always been much at stake when UQ faced Brothers.
“Uni has always had an extremely fierce rivalry with Brothers,” Horwill said.
“It’s just part of when you start there you’re taught that they are our biggest rival and our key competition.
“You’re never told why.”
The tradition started in 1912, with Brothers securing a clear first victory with 24-0. Since then the clashes have never dropped in intensity.
One hundred years later, a close game is expected, with Brothers topping the Premier Grade table and UQ looking to consolidate a spot beside them in the top four.
The two clubs boast some of the strongest club culture in the competition which has led to some of the most intense encounters in club rugby history including the 1979 Grand Final which was decided over two games in extra time.
“It’s a great club,” Horwill said of UQ.
“The mateship is up there with the best in the comp and it has a great reputation, always producing that great young talent,” he said.
“Brothers also have that strong link with Nudgee. Players from there will always know they’ll end up at Brothers and that’s a strong part of their culture.”
Last year’s heart-stopping Major Semi-Final game ended in Dom Shipperley streaking away to score a 30-23 win for Brothers in extra-time.
In 1990 it was UQ who got the bragging rights as they downed Brothers in the Grand Final, the last Grand Final played between the two sides.
Earlier this season, in terrible conditions at Jack Ross Oval, Brothers held their nerve against a late surge from their rivals to claim a tight 24-21 victory.
Past matches have drawn the biggest crowds of the season at both clubs, with grandstands packed shoulder to shoulder, and organisers are expecting nothing less this Saturday.
Horwill said UQ was playing well in patches and the return of Reds’ players Luke Morahan and James Hanson would help them gain some consistency in the closing rounds.
UQ vs Brothers
Saturday, 11 August, 2012 at St Lucia, field 5A, on the corner of Sir William McGregor Drive and Sir Fred Schonell Drive. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Media: Josh Dutton, UQ Rugby Football Club (rugbypr@uqrugby.com or 0434 982 163)
