John I Dent 2025 premiers the Uni-Norths Owls. Photo: Brumbies Rugby.
It is one of the more remarkable stories in ACT rugby that the team that finished last in 2024 won the John I Dent Cup in 2025.
Uni-Norths’ 29-19 victory over the 14-time champions, the Tuggeranong Vikings, is a testament not only to the playing ability but to the resilience of those involved behind the scenes at Uni-Norths.
The story behind Uni-Norths Owls highlights the determination of many club members over the years.
The Owls hadn’t made a grand final, let alone won a title, since the merger between the ANU and Norths in 1998.
ANU won the premiership in 1992 with Laurie Fisher one of the stars on that emotional day at Manuka Oval.
It was fitting then that Fisher, now regarded as one of the world’s leading forwards coaches, was on hand in the lead-up to the decider to offer some guidance and words of inspiration.
Having had involvement in junior coaching at Uni-Norths, I am well aware of the passion that permeates throughout the club.
Try time for Uni-Norths Owls in their grand final victory over the Vikings. Photo: Brumbies Rugby.
The problem in the past has been translating success in the juniors to the seniors and harnessing community support to achieve on-field success.
It was identified several years ago during a particularly lean stretch that Uni-Norths needed to tap into its network of former players.
That network is extensive, with people like Phil Doyle, David Luchetti, Michael Axelsen, Peter ‘Branches’ Bradley, Jeremy Wilcox, Watson Blakie, Richard Taplin, Jason Smith, Vikki Fischer, John Fely, Vivienne Rolfe, Dan Hannan and Sarah Doyle.
They have been instrumental in keeping the dream alive at Uni-Norths over the past 24 years.
With the involvement of people such as Fisher and leading Canberra businessman Greg Boorer, it is understandable why the club has had success this season, albeit a long time coming.
It is not just the men’s team that has been successful this year.
The women’s side again made the grand final only to go down to the Wests Lionesses 43-12.
Wests defeated Uni-Norths Owls in the Women’s XV grand final. Photo: Brumbies Rugby.
In countless ways, Uni-Norths Owls reflects the passion and commitment of many great clubs, and the success this season is a testament to the hours of support that individuals have provided over the years.
