Who are the wombats

Established in 1973, the Wombats Rugby Club has been around for over 50 years. We have moved through several generations of players, and for many of us the Wombats have played a large part in who we currently are both as professionals and people. The Wombats Rugby Club has given us lifelong friendships, partners and perhaps even injuries that will never go away.

The Wombats have won numerous First and Second Division championships in its 50-year history. With the Wombats entry into the Rugby Manitoba Premier Division in 2000, the Wombats won their first Premier Division Championship in 2005. Since then, the Wombats remained a challenger winning the Premier Division Championship again in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2025.

The second division team, always competitive on the field, is a social side, with the focus being split between rugby, fun, development, and commitment. This side has won multiple championships, most recently in 2023. A side for both young and old alike, the Second Division side has seen 16-year-olds stand side by side with 62-year-olds, both on and off the field.

ORIGINS - merger with Griffons:

In the spring of 1992, the UofM approached the Griffons about a merger. Negotiations were conducted by Steve Corrigal and Barry Hudson of the Griffons, Darin D’Aleo and Warren Hoke of the Wombats. The 1992 season saw the two clubs playing together and the Second Division Cup was won by the newly amalgamated club that year. Barry Hudson was elected in as 1993 President at the Wombat 1992 AGM that fall. A letter was submitted to the MGRP Executive documenting the transfer the Griffons Maple Grove Shares to the Wombats with signatures of both presidents involved with the merger. (Steve Corrigal, Darin D’Aleo)

“When Darin D’aleo was President which was either in 1987-1988, as I was club President 1988-1990, or 1991-1992. I wasn’t involved in the negotiations. Barry Hudson was President of the Griffons at the time and became President of our club at some time thereafter. ” – Larry Cherrett

A bit more history, the Griffons were formed with the merger of the St Vital Buccaneers (club was officially formed in 1975 after Bob Moffatt signed to make this official, see signing below from St Vital Lance) and St James Zots (not sure who was instrumental with its formation). I personally had many great years playing for St Vital Buccaneers, Winnipeg Griffons and of course U of M Wombats.