Between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, two long-term rival clubs made the difficult decision to merge, bringing a third club along for the ride.
Byron Shire Rebels is the result of Byron Bay Rugby Club, Bangalow Rebels Rugby Club and Cape Byron Crusaders Junior Rugby Club joining forces to launch as one club in 2023.
The question of merging with another club has been asked numerous times by clubs in possibly every competition around the country over the years, but very few clubs actually take the leap. So this is an extremely rare insight into the rationale behind the merger, how they navigated the various challenges along the way, and importantly, the results of the merge.
In short, it has “completely transformed how rugby is going to be played in our area”
Watch the video below for the full story, which covers topics from governance and committee structure, to how you choose the club’s colours.
