Medowie and Districts Rugby Union Club on the move following clubhouse upgrade

Construction of the $1.4 million building to accommodate the area's rugby union and touch footy teams was officially unveiled on Tuesday, March 22.

Medowie rugby club president Renee Selby said that the community's reaction to the new state-of-the-art building - which includes accessible toilets, new change rooms, canteen, referee rooms and a first aid room - had been overwhelming.

"The club hosted two events last weekend and there was a great buzz around the ground from both regulars and visiting teams," she said.

"On Friday night the club hosted a round of the women's Summer 7s tournament under lights at the Elaine Hurst Oval and received many complimentary remarks.

"Then on Saturday, the men's team played a trial against East Newcastle where another big crowd attended and made use of the new change rooms, toilets and canteen."

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Selby said the club had big plans for the future.

"This year we have three juniors teams (under 7s, 9s and 12s) and a combined under 13 team with Waratah. The number of female players is increasing, currently at about 25 per cent," she said.

"The seniors will field two men's teams and one women's side in 2022, with a view of joining the Newcastle and Hunter premiership in three years' time. We are excited about recruiting new players and providing a pathway from our juniors to seniors over the next few years."

Medowie last year participated in the Footy 4 All program funded by Port Stephens Council, which aimed to increase the number of women and girls who play the football codes in Port Stephens.

Other sporting clubs included Port Stephens AFL, Nelson Bay AFL, Medowie Football Club and Stockton Cricket Club.

Selby said that there was a family-focus culture with free child minding for players.

"We incite women from all backgrounds, and all abilities, to play."

The council's community and recreation coordinator Brock Lamont said that the council had worked with the main users including the rugby union club to make sure the new Medowie oval facility would meet their needs.

He said the old building was demolished and construct a new one constructed in a more central location to improve the connection to both playing fields, widen the viewing corridor and make for a better spectator experience.

The council received funding from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and used allocated funds from developer contributions for the project.

The rugby club will host a colour run at Boyd Oval on Saturday to launch the new clubhouse.

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