Bond breaks ground on new rugby clubhouse

Bond University is on track towards its target of raising $1M for the construction of a Rugby Pavilion and Clubhouse at its sports fields.

Last year, the University and its Bullsharks team announced their desire to build a high-quality facility to complement existing seating capacity of 1,500. 

The pavilion is expected to house up to 300 guests on game day which, combined with the grandstands and a standing room capacity of 2,000, brings the total capacity of the venue to almost 4,000 spectators.

The new facility will comprise over 1,000 sqm of space overlooking the ground, surrounded by an undercover deck with full glass frontage.

Bond has secured a lead donor for the new facility in the form of the Fay family, with the clubhouse to be named after the late Dr Fabian Fay. 

Fabian is perhaps best known as the former General Manager and vet at Sea World who saved the lives of many dolphins, but what is lesser known about the long-time Gold Coaster is his passion for rugby. 

He was coach, medic and mentor in the early days of the Bond University Rugby Club during the 1990s, the founder of the Nerang Bulls Club, President of Gold Coast District Rugby Union and one of the founders of the Breakers Rugby Club, which was the first Gold Coast club to compete in the Brisbane competition.

Fabian’s widow, Mrs Virginia Fay, spoke on behalf of the family of her husband’s passion for the great game.

“We sat down as a family and decided that this project is one that we really want to support,” said Mrs Fay.

“Fabs just loved rugby. Our first date was at a club match in Sydney when we were university students.

“The connection with Bond University is also very special for the family. Our three children are all successful Bond graduates. 

“For us, education is more about just going to class and getting a degree, it needs to be holistic in approach by covering all things cultural, academic and sport. Bond realised the importance of this a very long time ago, and continues to produce well-rounded, work-ready graduates to this day.

The University has guaranteed to match all donations made. In addition to the Fay family, other significant donors are believed to be rugby stalwarts with long-standing Bond connections.

Bond University Executive Director of Sport, Mr Garry Nucifora said the new facility was an excellent addition to the University’s existing sporting infrastructure.

“After cBus stadium this will be the best rectangular sports facility on the Gold Coast, capable of hosting a broad range of events,” he said.

“When combined with our world class gymnasium, Olympic swimming pool, high-performance training centre and other sports facilities, the new pavilion will be a beacon as part of the legacy of securing the Gold Coast as a premier sports location after the Commonwealth Games.”

The facility is expected to open just after the Commonwealth Games at a home game on April 21, 2018.

Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Mr Brett Walker on [email protected]