This weekend, Uni-Norths Owls and the Queanbeyan Whites 1st Grade sides will once again contest the Paddy Matthews Cup, a match that represents far more than points on the ladder.

The Cup honours the late Pat “Paddy” Matthews, a revered figure in Canberra rugby and a true servant of the game. Paddy began his career with the Queanbeyan Rugby Union Football Club in 1973, going on to play an incredible 154 first grade games and over 600 games across all grades for the Whites. His impact was not just measured in minutes on the field, but in the values he carried, consistency, sportsmanship, and humility.

Across his career, Paddy was recognised with multiple club and ACTRU awards, including the J. Maguire Trophy and Anderson Trophy for Sportsmanship. He was also the inaugural winner of the Len Dean Memorial Trophy and proudly represented rugby on the international stage, playing in nine countries including five Golden Oldies tournaments.

Fittingly, Paddy had ties to both clubs. While his heart belonged to Queanbeyan, he also shared great memories with Uni-Norths, often travelling to Golden Oldies tournaments as part of their squad, a connection that helped shape this annual fixture.

The Cup was introduced in 2010 following Paddy’s passing in 2009, and since then the rivalry has been tightly contested. More than just a game, the Paddy Matthews Cup is a moment each year to reflect on the contributions of those who have shaped the culture and community of our sport and to play the kind of rugby that would make Paddy proud.