Partnership

Mernda central college

In 2024, the Northern Panthers Rugby Union Football Club proudly launched an official partnership with Mernda Central College Academy—marking a transformative milestone in our club’s journey.

This strategic expansion sees the Panthers operating across two vibrant locations: our longstanding home at C.H. Sullivan Reserve in Reservoir, and our exciting new base in Mernda. It reflects our deep commitment to fostering growth, creating opportunities for northern communities, and investing in the future of junior rugby.

Our collaboration with the Mernda Central Rugby Academy—through regular training at Mernda and financial support—has already led to a steady rise in player participation. Early signs point to even greater engagement from families and young athletes in 2026 and beyond.

Two key factors have driven the success of this partnership:
• The exceptional coaching leadership of Elijah Makoni (Rugby Director) and Junior Fiu, whose expertise and mentorship have elevated the Academy’s impact.
• A generous $10,000 grant from the Rugby Club of Victoria, which has supported field hire from the YMCA and will primarily fund the development of a state-of-the-art gym at the school.

This initiative will provide both club and school players with top-tier strength and conditioning facilities—laying the foundation for long-term athletic excellence and community pride.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am excited to announce a partnership with Mernda Central College Rugby Academy to grow rugby in the north. We hope to make it easier for parents in the northern suburbs, many of whom are ex-players, to reconnect with the Panthers. Distance from Reservoir has been an obstacle, and we need to make traveling to play rugby easier.

Mernda has been using our fields for academy games in 2024, and next year, we will train at the school once a week during daylight saving and, therefore, connect with students in the academy rugby program. We intend to set up a satellite club in Mernda (most likely on the School’s Field). We hope many academy players will train with us at CH Sullivan Reserve on the other training day. Matches will still be held at Sullivan Reserve on Saturdays and possibly under lights on Friday nights.

- Grant Wason