UNSW Sport September Recap

September delivered another action-packed month for UNSW sport, with clubs making history, athletes claiming national and international honours, and teams producing standout finals performances across multiple codes. From premiership glory in rugby and hockey, to international gold in boccia, to breakthrough results in AFL and handball, it was a month that showcased the depth and diversity of UNSW’s sporting talent.

UNSW Hockey Club enjoyed another remarkable season, with 21 of 22 senior teams reaching finals and, for the first time in club history, all women’s teams qualifying. In the Sydney East Hockey Association, UNSW claimed two women’s premierships, while in the Sydney Women’s Hockey League, two of six grades lifted titles, with three sides reaching grand finals. On the men’s side, the club fielded a record 10 teams – the most of any Sydney club – with all but one qualifying for finals. Seven advanced to grand finals and four secured premierships. The club’s dominance was further recognised with 15 honours at the Sydney Hockey Awards. Juniors also impressed, with six of nine teams reaching finals and two winning premierships. At the elite level, UNSW provided a record nine athletes to the HockeyOne League, while several others medalled at the U21 Nationals.

UNSW Rugby capped off its 2025 campaign with two premierships, headlined by a historic 1st Grade Barraclough Cup victory – the club’s first top-grade title since 1998. In a nail-biting grand final, UNSW rallied from an early 12–0 deficit against Petersham to win 26–24. Tries to Dorahy (2), Havard and Bale, along with captain Griff Williams’ accuracy off the boot, kept the team in the hunt before a decisive late scrum penalty sealed the result. 3rd Grade also delivered silverware, with captain Patty Connor scoring twice in the Blunt Cup final, supported by a try and penalty goal from Peter Ford in an 18–8 win. Across the board, it was a strong year for the club, with all six sides – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade, Colts and Women’s – reaching semi-finals and four advancing to grand finals.

The UNSW-ES Bulldogs made significant strides in 2025, with both men’s and women’s Premier Division sides reaching finals after missing out the previous year. Division 3 narrowly missed back-to-back premierships, while the U19s and Divisions 1 and 5 also featured in finals campaigns. The club proudly celebrated inclusivity throughout the year, debuting new Indigenous guernseys during NAIDOC Week and a Pride guernsey during Pride Month. Individual standouts included Hugo Birks and Troy Luff, who won the Premier Division and Division 5 leading goal-kicker awards, respectively. Emily Conlan narrowly missed the women’s Premier Division title, finishing second, while Sam Thorne capped off a stellar season as runner-up in the prestigious Phelan Medal.

UNSW Handball’s men’s team took a major step forward, competing in the New Zealand Handball Championships in Wellington. The side finished second in its pool and advanced to the semi-finals, ultimately playing in the bronze medal match where they narrowly fell 43–38 to the Purple Goannas. A 4th-place finish marked a strong improvement and reflects the rapid growth of the squad over the past year.

Paralympian Jamieson Leeson added to her growing list of achievements, taking gold in the BC3 pairs at the Seoul World Boccia Cup. Partnering with Jas Haydeon, Dan Michel and Ash Maddern, Leeson and her team defeated Poland 8–0 in a commanding final performance.

UNSW Elite Athlete Chloe Jackson capped off her season with the Parramatta Eels by winning the NRLW Coaches Award at the 2025 NRLW Player of the Year Awards. Jackson was a defensive powerhouse and attacking threat across the campaign, finishing with 3 tries, 7 line-breaks, 25 tackle breaks and 263 tackles. Already in just her second season, she is establishing herself as a star of the competition.

The UNSW Cheer and Dance Society continued its strong year at the ASSCF States Championships. The Warriors brought home a number of podium finishes, highlighted by third place Grand Champion with a gold in Premier Hip Hop and Premier Contemporary and silver in Level 1/2 Cheer. The club now turns its attention to the All Star Classics as competition season continues.

From grand final triumphs to international podiums, September was a month of achievements across the board for UNSW athletes and clubs. With the Sports Awards just around the corner, we’re looking forward to seeing a lot of these clubs and athletes celebrated for their impressive seasons.