With the aim of keeping juniors on the park, the South Coast Monaro (SCM) Barbarians U18 rugby team found its roots. Formed from a unique collaboration of several clubs, the Barbarians took some time to gel before showing an inspiring turnaround. Defying the odds, the Barbarians played in the 2025 finals of the ACT Junior Rugby Union U18s 3rd XV competition in their first season together.
PHOTO: SCM celebrate a thrilling 22-21 victory over Marist during round 9 CREDIT: Lissy Giagios
Without a win in their first four rounds, it seemed the newly-formed team was destined for a tough season. However, a crucial victory in Round 6 against Grammar sparked new hope. “The boys struggled to find wins early in the season, but found their way into the semifinals by the end,” said Bec Abraham, President of the Junior Cooma Red Devils. She highlighted the importance of the SCM Barbarians concept, which pooled players from clubs finding it difficult to field complete teams.
PHOTO: The SCM U18s came together as a tight-knit squad during season 2025 CREDIT: Queanbeyan Whites Juniors
The initiative, supported by the Brumbies and South Coast Monaro Rugby, united U18 boys from Queanbeyan, Cooma, Braidwood, and Temora. This blend of players, many meeting for the first time moments before their initial match, became the embodiment of resilience and teamwork.
Despite suffering eight losses in their first 11 rounds, a 28-10 triumph over Daramalan in Round 12 initiated a winning streak that saw them rise to fourth place on the ladder. Their subsequent hard-fought win over Marist in the final regular season game secured their finals berth.
PHOTO: SCM U18s following their must-win last round match against Marist CREDIT: South Coast & Monaro Junior Rugby
“The U18s boys have hit their stride, emerging as serious contenders,” the Queanbeyan Whites Juniors club shared towards the end of the SCM season.
“From scattered beginnings to becoming a tight-knit squad that earned respect across the entire competition, this story is of grit, character, and pride.”
Although the semi-final match against a top of the table Radford College outfit resulted in a 48-14 defeat, the journey of the Barbarians was clearly successful, with SCM now planning to expand the Barbarians concept to include boys and girls teams from U12s to U18s in 2026.