Sydenham Rugby League

It is with great sadness that Sydenham Rugby League acknowledge the passing of Sue Ball who passed away on Friday 19th June 2026.

Sue's contribution to our club spans decades and her legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of Sydenham Rugby League. A dedicated volunteer., committee member, fundraiser, supporter and friend, Sue gave countless hours in service to the club she loved supporting her husband Barry in everything to do with the Swans.

Sue served on the junior committee team through the 80s and quickly became one of the clubs most dependable and respected volunteers. Helping with countless fundraisers, running raffles at the club even organising a highly successful fashion parade. Sue was always there giving her time and energy for the benefit of others.

Sue shared memorable moments with the club with one of them being by Barry's side when the clubrooms Waverly Lounge were officially opened on 14th December 1968 witnessing a significant milestone in the clubs history.

In recognition of her outstanding service Sue became the first Woman to be awarded as a Life Member at Sydenham. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication touched so many life's and helped create the strong club culture we enjoy today.

The Sydenham Rugby League whanau extend our deepest condolences to Barry and the Ball family. Thank you Sue for everything you gave to our club and community.

Rest in Love Sue ❤️

The Ball family warmly invite Sue's friends, teammates, and members of the Sydenham Rugby League Community to join them in celebrating her life on

Friday 26th June 1pm at Academy Funeral Services , 65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton

💙❤️🦢 Forever a Swan 💖

Our Swans youth teams both take wins by default tonight. We move on to the next 🫡🦢

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTY! 🔥

With the Warriors game bringing Christchurch to a standstill yesterday, our Premier Women are back in action TONIGHT as they take on the Hornby Panthers.

The Panthers have started the season 1-0, so our Swans know they'll need to be at their best. Expect a physical battle, plenty of passion, and 80 minutes of tough rugby league.

📍 Denton Park Oval, Hornby
🕖 Kick-off: 7:00 PM
📅 Tonight

Wrap up warm, bring your voices, and get behind the girls as they look to make a statement under the Monday night lights.

Up the Swans!

Round 8 is here. Monday Night Footy under the lights awaits as our Swans Youth teams look to keep the momentum rolling. Get down and support 🔥🦢

🔥 HOME. AT LAST. 🔥

After a couple of years away, our Premier Women return home to Bradford Park to take on the Linwood Keas in what promises to be a massive clash.

This isn't just another game. It's a homecoming 🔵🔴

Bring your whānau, bring your mates, bring your voices and get behind the girls as they look to make a statement on home soil.

Sydenham Swans Premier Women
🆚 Linwood Keas
📅 Sunday 14 June
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Bradford Park, Sydenham

COMMITMENT. CONSISTENCY. DETERMINATION.

2/2 for the Swans! 🔥🦢

A tough, physical battle for our 16s against Aoraki Eels, with both teams putting on a great game of footy. The boys showed plenty of grit and determination to come away with a 22-12 victory.

Our 18s were outstanding, running in the points with a dominant 60-0 win over the Hornets to cap.off a successful night for the club.

🔵 SW🅰️NS ⚪️

Our Premier Women got their 2nd W on the board yesterday with a 52-4 win over the Shirley Hawks.

A big thank you to Shirley for a tough game. Despite the scoreline, they never gave up and competed right through to the final whistle.

Congratulations to our Player of the Match, Tiegan Mackie 💪🏽🏉

Tribute to David Noel “Dave” Schultz

It is with heavy hearts that the Sydenham Swans Rugby League Football Club acknowledges the passing of David Noel “Dave” Schultz, who passed away peacefully on 27 May 2026, aged 76.

Dave was a proud Christchurch man and a true Swan in every sense of the word. He gave many seasons to the club in our premier side, earning respect for the way he played the game tough, honest, and completely committed. A rugged forward, Dave never took a backward step and always put the team first. If you pulled on the jersey alongside him, you knew exactly what you were going to get.

A highlight of his playing days came in 1978, when he was part of the Swans side that made the grand final. While the result didn’t go our way, those who were there will remember the effort, grit, and pride Dave brought to that campaign.

Dave’s love for Sydenham didn’t stop when his playing days ended. He stayed involved and gave back to the club as secretary, doing a first class job and helping keep the club moving forward. That willingness to step up and serve says everything about the kind of man he was loyal, dependable, and deeply committed to his club.

Off the field, Dave was a much-loved father, grandfather, and member of his wider whānau. His family’s words remind us of the strong bonds he shared and the love that surrounded him right to the end.

The Sydenham Swans extend our sincere condolences to Rosie Rose, Nas Apiata, Nahiri Schultz, Te Hereripine Schultz Keepa-Apiata, and all of Dave’s whānau and friends.

Dave leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, loyalty, and heart. He will always be remembered as one of ours.

Rest easy, Dave. Once a Swan, always a Swan.

Another exciting round of youth footy awaits as out Swans take the field tomorrow night 🦢🔥