1946 - present

The Bondi United Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1946 “to promote Rugby League together with other sports and activities”, ensuring the disadvantaged of the community are given a ‘fair go’ and not left behind. The club’s latin motto FACTA PROBANT translates to 'Let deeds speak for themselves' is meant as the guiding principle.

The clubs foundation heralds back to World War II when returning servicemen were looking about them for means to re-connect with their communities. According to Bondi United lore, the club came into being through the initiative of Bondi local Jimmy Redpath. Finding he was unable to play for the Bondi Rugby Union team on Saturdays because of clashing work commitments, he and fellow team members founded Bondi United Rugby League Club so they could play on Sundays. Initially, they didn’t even have matching football jumpers but played in ‘all sorts’ until one of the player’s father, Gersh Fienberg stepped up and donated the distinctive green and white shirts.

Together with the Paddington Colts, the Clovelly Crocodiles and Waverley, Bondi United make up the “Eastern Suburbs District Junior Rugby League” better known as the Sydney Roosters Juniors. Bondi United is acknowledged as the most successful of the Eastern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Clubs, having won a total of 19 Club championships and 120 individual premierships since its inception as well as having groomed many outstanding internationals such as Ferris Ashton, Ray Beavan, Kevin Junee, John Peard, John Mayes, Paul Dunn, Luke Ricketson, as well as third generation Bondi United crop, Tom Symonds , grandson of Bondi United ‘foundation’ legend, Bill ‘Yooka’ Symonds.

In 1952, they sent their first ‘Kangaroo’, ‘No. 289’ Ferris Ashton, second row forward on tour to England and France. In the mid 60s they established Netball and Basketball teams as well as a Summer Swimming Club down at the Bondi Baths, an Annual Golf Day and Annual Santa on the Fire Truck for the local Bondi community at the Beach Rd hotel. In 1966 the club secured a permanent clubhouse at Hugh Bamford Reserve and also established a swimming club at Bondi Baths so that members could remain socially connected throughout the summer months.1979 was another highlight when Bondi United became the only club ever to win outright all four senior competitions (A-B-C-D Grade).

Bondi’s demographic has changed considerably since the 50s and 60s from its predominantly Anglo working-class background, yet, Bondi United has remained a consistent feature in the Bondi landscape. For many of its members it is Bondi’s heartland. The Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration drew support from more than 600 members including 14 of the ‘1946 Originals’, with TV sports presenter and former team player Tim Webster presiding as Master of Ceremonies.

As a strictly amateur club Bondi United is dependent upon the enthusiasm, dedication and goodwill of its members. Many local businesses, including the local Digger’s Club and the “Rex/Regis” (now the Beach Road Hotel) as well as countless individuals have consistently given time and sponsorship. Bill ‘Yooka’ Symonds , the “Godfather of our community” has dedicated almost three decades coaching the under-6es with his simple yet effective advice “Don’t run out and don’t drop the ball”.

In 2026 the the club when it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Images courtesy Bondi United.