The Kiama Men’s Shed has honoured Kiama Rugby Club’s 2025 premiership win - their first in 22 years - with a specially made plaque commemorating the historic victory.

The presentation was held at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday, where committee member Steve Dalton presented the plaque to Rugby Club president Mark Redding.

“This has been a collaboration by a number of people - and ‘collaboration’ is the key word for the Men’s Shed,” said Dalton. 

“Sometimes we're at each other's throats, but generally it’s a good collaboration.”

Dalton thanked fellow members Ralph Steel, who designed the plaque, along with members Phil, Alan Chris, and himself for their work in bringing it to life.

The plaque features the Kiama Rugby Club coat of arms, an inscription of their 2025 premiership win and a Latin phrase:

"Cave tauros nigros et albos incurrentes" - which translates to: "Beware of the black and white bulls charging," in reference to the club’s colours and mascot.

Crafted from Kiama red cedar using the club’s new BlueCarve CNC machine, it’s also the Men’s Shed’s first-ever 3D carving.

Dalton said he hopes this marks the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between the Men’s Shed and the rugby club.

The commemorative plaque created by the Kiama Men Shed

“We hope this is the start of a great connection between Kiama Rugby Union Club and the Kiama Men’s Shed.”

Redding was clearly moved by the gesture.

“That’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve seen the finished product - aside from a little prototype Ralph showed me a few weeks ago - but it’s really impressive. 

“We’ll find a great spot for it in the clubhouse, probably next to the team photo celebrating not only the first grade premiership, but also the club championship.”

The connection between the two clubs is already strong, with many Men’s Shed members being former Kiama rugby players. Redding joked he may soon be joining their ranks.

“I’m getting closer to Men’s Shed age myself,” he laughed. “I retired last year, so I might be seeing more of you fellas soon.”

The presentation concluded with Men’s Shed member Ian Yebbsley thanking Redding for his past support.

“When Mark retired, he donated all the hardware from his workshop to us - so we just want to thank you for that, Mark,” Yebbsley said.

The presentation was a fitting tribute to a historic season for Kiama Rugby Club.