Crippled Crows Masters Rugby South Australia

This Saturday, 6th June, the Crippled Crows play the Burnside Beerbarians, to help the Burnside Rugby Club celebrate their 80 years anniversary. An early 9.30am start for the old boys as we open up the Barossa RugbyFest. The RUSA RugbyFest held at the home of the Barossa Rams Rugby Club, on Research Road, Tanunda, will by a feast of Masters (Veterans), Women’s, Boys and Seniors Men’s rugby.

The weather did its part today, for the game they play in heaven, and the rain stayed away for a glorious game of running rugby at Onkaparinga today. Thank you to the Onka’s crew for gathering together a very handy side and giving the Crippled Crows a spirited opposition to run against. Rugby was the winner as always. Congratulations go to Tim Doughty for being awarded best on ground for 2026 (in what is becoming a regular performance ) for the inaugural Brian Purdell Memorial Trophy game. Brian, who recently passed, was a regular tourist with the Crippled Crows and a Founding Life Member for Onkaparinga.

It’s game on again for the Crippled Crows this Sunday, 12 noon kickoff, at Onkaparinga Rugby Club, Wilfred Taylor Reserve, Morphett Vale. Despite today’s weather, it looks like the weather gods are smiling on us yet again, so grab your boots and come join in the fun of over 35’s rugby. Crippled Crows stout and wine will be available so get in while the limited stocks last.

Some of our members may be aware that a handful of Crippled Crows are heading to Auckland in October 2026 to join the Vic Masters Rugby in playing a couple of games of Masters Rugby against local (Auckland) teams on Friday 9th Oct and then attend the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday 10th at Eden Park. We understand that there are still a couple of spots available on this tour if you are interested in joining in on the fun. Details are still being resolved but what is there not to like about a quick trip to NZ to play and watch a couple of games of quality rugby. Enquiries to our President Lindsay Callaghan please.

Peter FitzSimons take on Golden Oldies Rugby.
Peter has become a living Australian icon. FitzSimons, who won eight caps as a Wallaby, is a high profile writer, broadcaster, columnist and public speaker.
He was also part of the Mossman Whales.The former Sydney University player moved to the Mossman area and became a regular with the club.
"The team are all mates of mine – blokes that I have played with going back 30 years ago and we are still good mates. It’s nice to be involved this week with the Golden Oldies and it’s all good fun,” he said.
“The running around I like a bit. The camaraderie afterward I love a lot.”
Nailed it Pete!
As an aside, I've recently read Peter's biographies on Nancy Wake (The White Mouse) and another WWII hero Weary Dunlop - excellent, excellent books.
Weary Dunlop was also in the first Wallaby team to win the Bledisloe Cup.

Another cracking day for the South Australian Masters Rugby Union crew — the Crippled Crows — at Brighton Rugby Union Football Club! 🏉☀️

With enough players to split into two teams, the Crows went head-to-head in a hard-fought but great spirited match made up of 6 x 10-minute halves in hot, near tropical conditions.

Plenty of running, plenty of laughs, a few tired old legs, and most importantly everyone finished with smiles on their faces and no serious injuries.

Massive thanks to everyone who turned up, played hard, supported from the sidelines and helped make it another brilliant day of Masters rugby.

Rugby is still alive and well for the older brigade! 🍻🏉

The Crippled Crows are again saddened to advise of the passing of another Crippledd Crow with the passing of Brain Norton. One of the orignal touring members of the Crows, Brian will be missed.

VALE: Brian Norton (30/04/2026)

It is with deep sadness that we advise of the passing of Player Life Member and Life Member, Brian Norton, on 30 April 2026.

Brian’s connection with the club began at just 14 years of age, when the Woodville Rugby Club was based at Woodville Oval. From those early days, he went on to become a regular figure in the club’s history — serving as Club Captain for several years and earning a reputation for his love of playing at fullback. His proudest day was playing with his sons (as per the photo attached)

Brian shared his love of Woodville & of Rugby with his family. His legacy on the field continued through his sons Martin, Andrew, David and Shaun, and extended to his grandchildren Josh, Amy, Lachlan, Georgia, Jack, Charlie, Ryan and James - all who wore the Green & Gold at one stage or another. He was a familiar figure sitting on the sidelines cheering on his grand kids with wife Raelene until his health deteriorated - always with a look of pride.

Brian gave back generously to the club, serving on the Committee in various capacities and helping around the club both on and off the field. After finishing his time playing for Woodville, his passion for rugby continued as he travelled and played with the Golden Oldies.

We will advise of Brian's funeral details once they have been finalised.

Brian will be remembered for his dedication, contribution and lasting friendships at the Woodville Rugby Club. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Game 3 today in the lovely Barossa Valley at the home of the Barossa Rams Rugby Club. A great turnout and fine display of running rugby. Fun was had by all of course and we are thankful for the support from an enthusiastic crowd. A couple of injuries and we wish those players involved a speedy recovery.

Does anyone playing in the Barossa game tomorrow have spare head gear?

Game 3 – Barossa Rams 🍷🏉
Where good wine, questionable haircuts, recycled barrels and over-35s rugby collide… what could possibly go wrong?
📍 Barossa Rams Rugby Club
🕛 12:00pm | Sunday, 3 May 2026
Keen for a run? Let us know if you’d like to play!
🚌 Transport:
• 9:00am – Brighton Rugby Club (Brighton Rd)
• 9:30am – Public Schools Club (East Terrace)
• Return: 4:30pm from the Barossa
💰 $40 adults | $20 kids
To register, email David Pyper ([email protected]) with:
• Playing or just spectating (no judgement)
• Preferred position (backs encouraged to join in the game but are asked to not drop the ball so much)
• Bus seat needed (one way or both)
Crippled Crows branded kit, wine & stout available on the day (get in early before it’s “mysteriously” gone).
Come for the rugby, stay for the wine… and the stories you may or may not remember.