Hamilton Hawks Rugby Whale 7s
A heartfelt thank you - 11 years of the Mick Whale Curry Memorial 7s
After 11 incredible years, it is with mixed emotions that we announce Hamilton Rugby will be handing over the reins of the Mick Whale Curry Memorial 7s to Hunter Wildfires and NSW Rugby, who will take the tournament forward into its next chapter.
This has not been an easy decision, and one that has certainly not been made lightly.
For the past 11 years, this tournament has been so much more than just a weekend of rugby. It has been about community, mateship, remembrance, passion and bringing people together through the game we all love.
Above all, it has been about remembering our mate, Mick “Whale” Curry.
Mick was one of our own, a mate whose memory deserves to live on. What started as a way to honour and remember our mate has grown into something truly special. Every year, when the teams take the field, the whistles blow and the rugby community comes together, we remember why this tournament began in the first place. It has always been about Mick. Remembering our mate, celebrating his life and keeping his memory alive through the game and the friendships that mean so much to us.
To our volunteers, who have given countless hours behind the scenes, often long before the first whistle and well after the last, we cannot thank you enough. From setting up fields, organising teams, coordinating the tournament, working behind the scenes and doing all the little jobs that often go unnoticed, you have been the backbone of this event. Without you, none of it would have been possible.
To our sponsors and supporters, thank you for believing in this tournament and standing beside us year after year. Your generosity and ongoing support have helped us build something truly special.
To every player, coach, manager, referee and club who has been part of the Mick Whale Curry Memorial 7s over the past 11 years, thank you. You have brought the competition, the camaraderie, the sportsmanship and the memories that have made this tournament what it is today.
The reality is that running an event of this size requires an enormous amount of volunteer time, effort and commitment. As much as we would love to continue, the demands of delivering the tournament have reached a point where we can no longer sustainably ask our volunteers to carry that load.
While it is difficult to step away from something we have poured so much heart and soul into, we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the past 11 years.
We are grateful that Hunter Wildfires and NSW Rugby will take the tournament forward, and we wish them every success in continuing to build on what has become such a special event on the rugby calendar.
Our greatest hope is that, no matter how the tournament grows or changes, the reason it all began is never forgotten, our mate Mick “Whale” Curry.
There have been plenty of early mornings, long days, challenges, laughs, friendships and unforgettable moments along the way. We wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, whether for one year or all eleven, THANK YOU.
You helped turn an idea into a tradition, and a rugby tournament into something much bigger than the game itself. The tournament may be changing hands, but the memories, friendships and legacy will always remain.
And to our mate Mick, this has all been for you, mate. Eleven years of rugby, mateship and memories in your honour. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
The Mick “Whale” Curry Memorial Cup is back in 2026 and better than ever before! Come and play rugby in a tournament that’s friendly, fast paced and start planning for an epic day of running rugby. Details on the tournament are below.
Date: Satutrday 7th February 2026
Divisions: Premier Men, Premier Women, Country Men and U20 Men.
Location: St John Oval – 8 Bula St, Charlestown NSW 2290.
The 2026 Whale 7s wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A massive shoutout to:
WE SUPPORT WOMEN IN RUGBY
"As the first female President for Hamilton Rugby Club, I'm really excited to be able to help lead the charge in parity between men and women in sport." - Lesa Mason 2021
Hamilton Hawks Rugby Club has always had a mission to encourage and support the participation of women and girls in rugby. We have always strived to provide opportunities and pathways for female teams to grow, learn and have fun!
Our president Lesa Mason along with our Mick “Whale” Curry Memorial Rugby Sevens 2021 sponsor Eight Recruitment, spoke to NBN Television and Newcastle Live on the topic of parity within sport and the workplace. Watch the video below.
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