The Redlands Rugby Union Club, known locally as ‘The Muddies,’ has kicked off its 2026 season with strong trial match performances, as both the senior men’s and women’s teams secured victories against Caloundra at Redland Bay Cyclones grounds.
The club, which has called Birkdale home since 1979, is currently playing its home matches at the Redland Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club in Redland Bay. This arrangement follows the closure of its traditional home ground, Judy Holt Park, in late 2024 for major environmental remediation works. The $34 million project, aimed at addressing leaching from an old landfill site, is expected to be completed by late 2026, meaning the club will continue to play away from home for the foreseeable future.
In late March, The Muddies hosted Caloundra Rugby Union Club—known as the ‘Lighthouses’—in trial matches at Charlie Buckler Oval. The women’s team won decisively with an 88-0 scoreline, while the men’s side also emerged victorious with a 22-0 result. These matches marked the club’s return to competitive play for the new season, demonstrating their resilience despite the ongoing challenges.
Despite the disruption, the club has maintained strong participation numbers, with over 450 registered players across men’s, women’s, junior (U6 to U17), and Golden Oldies (35+) programs. The community’s support has been vital, with the Redlands Rugby Union Club receiving assistance from the nearby Muddies Cricket Club. The cricket club provided temporary training facilities, including floodlights, storage, amenities, and a food and bar kiosk, ensuring the rugby club could continue operations.
Club President Mike King expressed gratitude for the ongoing support, stating the club remains committed to providing opportunities for players of all ages. The Muddies offer programs from Mini Muddies (ages 3-5) up to Golden Oldies (over 35s), with the motto ‘Once a Muddie, always a Muddie’ reflecting the club’s strong community ties.
For those interested in joining or supporting the club, new player registrations are open for all age groups. Enquiries can be directed to the club’s contact representative, Tiki Tuapou.
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