CSU's recent 50^th year anniversary dinner, which followed on from their first grade men's clash with Parkes Boars, saw the club raise $26,000 while several renowned keynote speakers helped to make the night a runaway success.

Former Wallabies Phil Waugh and Justin Harrison hosted an 'On the couch' session before the club raffled off a selection of remade heritage jerseys, while sports journalist and CSU Rugby graduate Tim Sheridan was the master of ceremonies.

CSU will be using the funds to purchase a scrum machine valued at over $10,000 while the remaining money will be reinvested back into the club and $2,000 will be donated to HeadSpace.

Mitchell Old Players' Association member Angus Kennelly said it was wonderful to see the night finally go ahead.

"After COVID forced us to postpone the event in 2020, it was incredibly satisfying to see it all come together and for Mitchell Ruby to get the 50th year celebration it truly deserves," he said.

"We're very appreciative of Bathurst Goldfields, our guest speakers, sponsors, and the Mitchell Rugby community who made this a night for the record books.

"There has arguably never been an event that has brought so many generations together, it was also one of the largest fundraisers the club has seen - raising $26,000 for the club.

"The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, as old friends caught up to share stories, laughs and memories dating back to the 70s. It was a very special evening for all involved, one we expect not many will forget."

The night was a chance for the club to not only reflect on half a century of great memories but also the teams that would help shape the formation of CSU Mitchell Rugby in 1970.

CSU's rugby history can be traced back to 1909, where the earliest evidence of the Bathurst Experiment Farm playing can be found.

Evidence suggests that the BEF was able to regularly field a team in local competitions until its disbandment in 1941 due to WWII.

In 1951 rugby made a return through the Bathurst Teachers College, who played under the nickname of the 'All Stars'.

The Club would then proceeded to play under Mitchell College from 1970 until 1989, when it adopted its current name.

The 1970s produced some of CSU's greatest years of rugby, where the university were able to win premierships across all grades, including two at the top level.

A leader for the club during that decade, Ross Reynolds, would go on to become CSU Mitchell Rugby's first and only ever Wallaby in 1984.

CSU claimed a club championship in 2003, and the following year would achieve one of their greatest feats in winning both the first and second grade premierships.

The early 2000s also saw Megan Valler become the club's first Wallaroo.

"The Club has a long proud history, but it's hard to go past the Blowes Cup First Grade premierships in 74, 78 and 2004," Kennelly said.

"The sides in the late 70s are considered the first golden era of Mitchell Rugby, while the 2003 Club Championship marked the beginning of our second.

"Recently, it's been amazing to see our re-emergence through winning the New Holland First Grade Cup in 2019 and the Women's Westfund North Cup in 2020.

"The Club also has a longstanding relationship with Headspace and should be proud of the money it has helped raise over the years. For this reason, we will be making a $2,000 donation to the local centre.

"We did not have a specific [fundrasing] number in mind. Our goal was to try to raise as much money as possible while also providing people with an unforgettable night."

CSU have made a brilliant start to their 2021 season, with the women's team boasting an unbeaten record and the men's first grade team sitting second on the ladder.

"We believe the club appears to be on track to having a successful future, player numbers are up, and today's Mitchell men and women are doing a wonderful job of continuing the Club's strong values," Kennelly said.

"We were very proud to see how seamlessly a women's side was integrated into the club back in 2018 - this was arguably one of the most important moments in Mitchell Rugby history.

"However, it must be noted we have a proud tradition of women's teams dating back to the 90s, who laid the foundation for the women today."

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