Farewell & thank you, Robbo! 🐊

The Alleygators Rugby Club would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ryan Roberts (aka Robbo) for his incredible service and commitment to the Gators over the years. While it's hard to say goodbye, we’re excited for Robbo as he takes on a new challenge—returning to Navan Rugby Football Club in Ireland as Head Coach.

Robbo’s journey with the Gators began back in 2005, after a brief detour playing for the Pirates. A sharp and composed 5/8, known for his tactical kicking and exceptional game management, he immediately made his mark—leading A Grade to a Premiership victory in his first season with the club. He continued to play for several more years before heading overseas to Navan, and later returned in 2014-15 to captain-coach A Grade once again, achieving more success.

Never one to stop learning, Robbo furthered his coaching in Canberra before coming back to the Coast to work as Pathways Director under the SCRA and later as Rugby Co-Ordinator for the club from 2017 onwards. Across his time in coaching and development roles, Robbo helped shape the pathway from U6s through to Senior Grades, and has been instrumental in developing local talent. His work in guiding 2nds and 3rds to finals and a Grand Final, while fostering the next generation of Gators, has left a lasting legacy.

Beyond the wins and achievements, Robbo has made lifelong friendships and built deep connections within the club. From players and parents to fellow coaches and supporters, he’s earned the respect and gratitude of many—though we’ll happily leave his dad jokes in the past!

Robbo, this is a fantastic opportunity to help Navan RFC progress to Division 1, and we know you’ll give it your all. You’ll be deeply missed—not just for your rugby brain, but for the impact you’ve had on so many young players who stop to chat with you at training and on game days. The parents, players, and club members you’ve supported over the years all say a big THANK YOU.

We wish you and Taya safe travels and all the best for this exciting next chapter. We’ll always welcome you back with open arms—and hope to see you one day again, cheering from the sidelines at the Alleygators.

Go well, Robbo. You’ll always be part of the Gators family.

Field 1 Upgrade
The Management Committee has dedicated extensive time collaborating with the GCCC to enhance the fencing around Field 1. Anyone who visited recently has likely noticed the new fencing—it looks fantastic!

Outside Seating Area Enhancement
We’ve implemented interim improvements to the outside seating area to make it more functional for the club. Additional enhancements are planned and will arrive soon.

Kitchen Renovation
The updated layout and new equipment as part of the Stage 1 kitchen upgrade is looking good. These enhancements have significantly improved kitchen safety and efficiency, enabling better service for our members and visitors.

GATOR MILESTONES!

A massive shoutout to two of our rising stars, Lucas Fydler and Braden Miller, who recently notched some well-earned Senior milestones.

Lucas Fydler made his run-on debut in 1st Grade against the Bond Pirates, wearing the #8 jersey with pride. A homegrown Gator who started out in the backs, Lucas has evolved into a relentless loose forward, punching well above his weight and making every carry count. A true Junior-to-Senior success story!

Braden Miller, who joined the club last year as a keen 17-year-old, has been grinding away with the Senior squad ever since. After waiting patiently (thanks to Cyclone Alfred, injuries, and cancellations), Braden finally made his Senior debut for 3rd Grade vs Nerang, and the boys made sure it was a debut to remember with a special jersey presentation.

Well done, legends. The future of the Gators is looking strong!

Gators Hold Strong for a Hard-Earned Win

It was a hot and sunny Saturday at The Swamp, with our U16s the only team at home, taking on the Bond Pirates in a closely fought contest.

The Pirates came out firing, scoring two early tries and putting the Gators under pressure. But solid work at the set piece helped the home side steady the ship. A well-timed break from Rohan gave the Gators a boost, leading to two quick tries that swung the momentum. The teams headed into halftime with the Pirates narrowly ahead, 3 tries to 2.

The second half saw both sides finding moments of form, with some gritty defense from the Gators frustrating the visitors. A well-worked team effort gave the Gators a 22-17 lead, but a late Pirates try threatened to spoil the day. Fortunately for the Gators, the conversion missed the mark.

With time almost up, the Gators pushed one final time, and crossed for a match-winner on the last play.

Final score: Gators 27 – Pirates 22

That made it 3 from 4 games so far for the Mighty U16s at the mid point of the season.

Senior Rugby has hit the midway point of the season, check out where our Senior teams are placed on their respective Competition ladders.

1^st Grade Men: Phil Temperton Cup
2025 GCDRU 1st Grade Competition

2^nd Grade Men: Dr Tom Nutley Cup
2025 GCDRU 2nd Grade Competition

3^rd Grade Men: 
2025 GCDRU 3rd Grade Competition

We’re excited to announce a Girls Only Come & Try Rugby Clinic happening these school holidays at Ballymore!
 

Date: Monday, 30 June

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

Location: Ballymore

Cost: Free (funded through the Play Our Way initiative)

This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce new girls to rugby in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. 

Accountability in action is a crowd behaviour program looking to ensure the best Rugby experience on game days is across all Rugby supporters, players, coaches and management.

This has been promoted across Rugby recently via Rugby Australia, Queensland Rugby Union, the Gold Coast District Rugby Union and also the PBC Alleygators Rugby Club.

Please ensure while watching and representing the Alleygators Rugby Club, we all adhere to the Governing Bodies behaviour policies.
                
Strike 1: Lose points.

Strike 2: Lose points + face a $5,000 fine.

Strike 3: Disqualification, match forfeit, $10,000 fine, and possible termination.

Rules are clear — play fair or pay the price.