Who We Are

Founded in 1973, the Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union Football Club (TVRUFC) has established a prominent presence in the Tuggeranong Valley, the ACT, and beyond. Often recognised as the benchmark of Club Rugby in Australia, we proudly represent our community both nationally and internationally. Our success is driven by a strong, passionate supporter base and a professional organisation led by a dynamic committee, elite coaching, development staff, and a diverse roster of talented players.

OUR VALUES

At Vikings Rugby, we hold ourselves to the highest standards both on and off the field. We foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-performance environment that brings out the best in everyone within the club.

Respect: Care for yourself, your teammates, staff, officials, opponents, and facilities.

Inclusion: One club, no hierarchy, embracing diversity.

Enjoyment: Building camaraderie, community involvement, and creating a positive environment on and off the field.

Performance: Excellence through hard work, skill development, and continuous improvement.

Our Home Ground

Viking Park

Located at McBryde Crescent and Amsinck St, Wanniassa, Viking Park is a world-class multi-sport facility developed by the Vikings Group. This premier venue hosts the ACT Rugby Union final series and all Tuggeranong Vikings home games. Viking Park boasts a capacity of 8,000 spectators, with 1,000 seated in the grandstand, and includes state-of-the-art lighting, competition-standard grounds, and various amenities including a canteen, player and referee facilities, and more.

Please note: For the safety and comfort of all attendees, pets, glass bottles, and glass containers are not permitted inside Viking Park.

Red Army

The Vikings Supporters’ Club, known as "The Red Army," was established in 2004 to bring together our passionate supporters. Today, the Red Army serves as a gathering place for Vikings supporters—parents, ex-players, sponsors, and fans—at home games. No membership fees are required, and those wearing Vikings gear can enjoy subsidized drinks and food, including roast sandwiches.

Proceeds from the Red Army support the improvement of facilities and the Vikings Player’s Welfare Fund, ensuring that our club remains a vibrant and unified community.

Our Rich History

The Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union Football Club (TVRUFC) has a proud legacy, evolving from humble beginnings to become a dominant force in Australian rugby. Our history is filled with success stories, both on and off the field, and we are committed to continuing this tradition into the future.

Early Days: Humble Beginnings (1973-1985)

Established in 1973, the Vikings originally competed in the Canberra Cup under the name Woden-Weston. The club quickly developed a reputation for its competitiveness and strong community spirit. As registrations grew, the club made the bold move to relocate to Tuggeranong and rebrand as the Tuggeranong Vikings, a decision that would shape its future trajectory.

In the mid-1980s, the Vikings entered the A.C.T Senior Grade Competition, facing tough competition and learning valuable lessons. Despite some early challenges, including a temporary return to lower grades, the club began laying the foundations for future success.

The Rise of the Vikings (1986-1993)

By 1986, the Vikings re-entered senior grade rugby, this time with renewed focus and determination. Under coach Tom Barker, the club embraced a more professional approach to training and match preparation. Barker’s work on skill development set the stage for future achievements.

The late 1980s saw the appointment of Duncan Hall, a Wallaby legend, who instilled a competitive and aggressive edge in the team. The Vikings were becoming a force to be reckoned with, culminating in a near victory in the 1991 Grand Final, where they narrowly lost by a point to their rivals, Royals.

A New Era of Success (1994-2006)

In 1994, the Vikings achieved their first-ever 1st Grade premiership under the leadership of coach Chris Hickey. Hickey’s "whatever it takes" philosophy inspired the team, resulting in a dominant double victory as both the 1st and 2nd Grade teams defeated Royals to claim the title. This victory marked the beginning of a golden era for the club.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Vikings continued to thrive, winning multiple premierships under various coaches, including Graham Reed, Brendan Allardyce, and Baden Stephenson. The team’s rivalry with the Queanbeyan Whites became legendary, with thrilling Grand Final clashes that captivated the rugby community.

Developing Elite Players: From Vikings to Wallabies (1990s-2000s)

The Vikings have long been committed to player development, providing a pathway for local talent to reach the highest levels of the game. In the 1990s, homegrown stars like Joe Roff, Justin Harrison, and Brenden Jones emerged from the club, forming the backbone of the Canberra Kookaburras in the AAMI Cup and later joining the ACT Brumbies.

Roff and Harrison both went on to have illustrious careers with the Wallabies, cementing their status as legends of Australian rugby. This tradition of player development continues today, with players like Julian Salvi, Christian Lealiifano, and Joey Powell making their mark in Super Rugby and international competition.

Building for the Future: The Vikings Rugby Academy (2011-Present)

In 2011, the Vikings Rugby Academy was established, providing a structured pathway for young players to develop their skills and advance to higher levels of competition. The Academy has become the cornerstone of the club’s long-term success, with local players forming the core of the team’s premiership victories in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.

Coaches like Dan McKellar, Brad Harris, and Tim Sampson played pivotal roles in guiding the team during these years, with the Vikings consistently setting the standard in ACT rugby.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy

Today, the Tuggeranong Vikings are stronger than ever. With a thriving junior program, and a dedicated team of coaches, staff, and volunteers, the club is well-positioned to embrace the future of rugby.

Our history is a testament to the power of community, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to providing the best possible rugby experience for players at all levels and maintaining our status as a leader in Australian rugby.