Maroochydore Swans junior rugby union team record amazing win streak

A Sunshine Coast junior rugby union team has finally suffered its first loss in more than 1000 days after stringing together one of the great amateur sport undefeated streaks.

Maroochydore Swans U15s rugby union side celebrate winning their third premiership in a row. Picture: Contributed.

A Maroochydore Swans junior rugby union team has finally suffered its first loss in more than 1000 days after winning three premierships in undefeated fashion.

Head coach Nelson Robinson helped guide his team to the under-13, under-14 and under-15 premierships, stringing together a record of 48 games undefeated.

Nelson said the side lost the under-12 grand final to Sunshine Coast Grammar by three points and from there they never looked back.

“It's very impressive and I think the kids have a unique connection where they’re really there for each other and they continue to push when their backs are against the wall,” he said.

“I think their individual skills of their catch and pass and tackling success has improved so much which is great to see.

“There’s about 15 returning players in our side this year and throughout the past three seasons it’s been pretty stable in terms of player retention.”

Maroochydore celebrate winning the under-15 grand final of the King of the Country rugby union tournament.

The Swans also had undefeated success at the 2022 King of the Country tournament on the Gold Coast and during their Sydney tour where they played Randwick, Manly and Dee Why.

The under-16 players joined the junior colts competition in 2023 (a mixture of under-16 and under-17 players) where they suffered a 7-0 loss in round two.

“Everyone is grounded enough to know that each win means you’re just closer to your next loss so it had been a fair while and playing against Noosa they’ve got about 25 per cent of players our age and 75 per cent are 17-year-olds,” he said.

“The boys knew that this year was going to be a challenge especially after losing the quality kids that we did.

“No one was surprised but a lot of work went into keeping that record alive, winning games even when you’re playing poorly or carrying injuries or illness the boys always found a way to win and that’s what made it so special.”

Maroochydore Swans players Will Graham (front) and Patrick Edwards lead their team out at the 2022 King of the Country rugby union tournament.

Robinson said a number of players were awarded their 10-year playing caps last season with three more set to receive them in 2023.

He said despite the untouchable success, keeping the players grounded was a challenge.

“The biggest challenge has been keeping them interested in the game,” he said.

“It’s been really difficult and that’s why we probably lost quite a few kids this year just because they didn’t find a challenge in the game anymore which is unfortunate.”

Robinson also paid tribute to the strength, encouragement and support of the team’s parent group throughout the years of success.

Originally published as Maroochydore Swans junior rugby union team record amazing win streak