Southern Districts Rugby Club will host Surf Club Day against Manly Marlins

It will feature the 'Harry Gibbons Cup' against Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield, Sydney's premier rugby competition.

Everyone involved with Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla, Garie, Burning Palms and Era are invited to Round 7 of the Shute Shield at Forshaw Rugby Park.

The day is designed to bring friends and families from Surf Lifesaving Clubs together with members and guests of the Southern Districts Rugby Club to celebrate their community spirit and shared values.

"2020 was a difficult year for everyone and we had to pass up the opportunity," said Paul Ridoutt, the Club's community director. "With relaxed restrictions, we are back in 2021 and looking forward to seeing the local community come together again. It will be a great day.

"Club rugby, particularly the Shute Shield, is booming. We have all games live on Stan Sport and what an opportunity to continue to work with the local community and the village clubs to celebrate as one, driving awareness of great grass roots rugby."

On the day, Nippers will be selling raffle tickets and there will be half time activities by the Nippers, from all of the clubs.

Right after the Harry Gibbons Cup, the North Cronulla 'Sea Lice' Rugby Club will be competing for the Harry Gibbons Plate, under lights against the Hammerheads in the Jeffrey Cup.

As the sun goes down we will have a DJ playing beats until 7:30pm then the award winning Larger than Lions will play until close.

There will also be food and refreshments available from the Bethany's Kitchen until late.

The day is a significant moment in SDRC history and a true commemoration to Harry Gibbons, who was one of the founding directors of Wanda Surf club and Port Hacking Rugby Club.

"Harry recognised the common values between Rugby Clubs and Surf Lifesaving Clubs," said Mr Ridoutt.

"Both are ingrained in community and both provide a fantastic place for people to come together and unite for a cause.

"They celebrate the people that live in our great area and work hard to give back."

Planning for the event has been a collaboration of all surf clubs and their executive committees, as well as SDRC.

The best time to arrive at the club and take in the celebrations would be from 1pm with the Harry Gibbons Cup kicking off at 3:05pm, followed by the Harry Gibbons Plate at 5pm.

Tickets are available for all Surf Clubs members, from their club, and for SDRC members and guests, tickets are available online.