Southern Cross University has strengthened its long-standing partnership with the SCU Marlins, Coffs Harbour's popular rugby union club, with plans to boost student involvement, research collaboration and community engagement.
With a history stretching back to 1995 at the Hogbin Drive campus, the Marlins were originally formed by a group of passionate rugby-playing university students, who entered a team in the reserve grade and Under 19 competitions.
The club had an eventful history of highs and lows before reforming under the SCU Marlins banner in 2010, when they once more entered a reserve grade team in the Mid North Coast competition.
Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, adding a first-grade side in 2012, numerous junior teams in almost all age divisions in the following years and a women's side in 2017. Today the club proudly fields 12 teams.
"We love being home to the SCU Marlins," said Southern Cross University Campus Coordinator Nick Simmons. "They're a fantastic example of how sport can bring people together. It's about backing a club that gives students, families and young athletes the chance to thrive, both on and off the field."
President of the SCU Marlins Michael Edwards said he was excited to see the sponsorship taken to the next level. "This club plays an important role in our community, as does the University, and it's great to see these two organisations move closer together as we explore future possibilities."
Future projects include embedded placement opportunities for students, research projects and participation by more student players.
Southern Cross University has a significant program of related academic programs, including Bachelor degrees in Sport and Exercise, Clinical Exercise Physiology and the new Bachelor of Physiotherapy that launched in 2025.
Research on improving sports participation and performance is a focus at the Coffs Harbour campus, with a team of researchers called PASER, who specialise in 'Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise' Research.
These include Professor Christian Swann, who helped develop and lead the mental health fitness program ' Ahead of the Game' for the Rugby League World Cup in 2021, and Associate Professor Chris Stevens who has conducted a series of projects investigating strategies to best manage hot conditions in rugby players.
Chair of Discipline Chris Stevens said he was delighted to see the partnership opportunities with the club flourish. "I've been a supporter for many years but on an academic level we can see there is a lot of crossover in involvement for our students – in placements and research but also as players and supporters," he said.
