The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian National Rugby League (NRL) side based in Redfern, and area of Sydney, New South Wales. Historically, they are one of Australian rugby league's most successful clubs.
📜 South Sydney Rabbitohs History
Formed at Redfern Town Hall in 1908, South Sydney appeared in and won the inaugural season of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Premiership - a forerunner of the NRL. They defended their trophy in 1909, were crowned champions again in 1914 and 1918, and then won 7 out of 8 grand finals between 1925 and 1932 - their first so-called "golden era".
South Sydney's status as rugby league greats was arguably already secure, but between 1933 and 1949 they endured 4 grand final losses, eventually overturning their fortunes in 1950, when they became premiers for the first time in 18 years. This win beckoned-in a second "golden era" : they once again managed to defend their title in 1951, and would win again in 1953, 1954, and 1955. A third "golden era" came a decade later, as the club became premiers in 1967, 1968, 1970, and 1971.
In spite of their undisputable pedigree, South Sydney fell foul of the "Super League War" - a battle over rugby league TV rights in the late 1990s - and struggled to regain financial security. Following the foundation of the modern-day NRL, South Sydney were expelled from the top flight in 1999. A combination of vocal public support and lengthy legal appeals helped the Rabbitohs return to the NRL, but it took several years for the club to challenge for the biggest trophies again. However in 2014, 43 years after their last top-flight title, the Rabbitohs became premiers for the 21st time.
There are various theories as to why South Sydney adopted the "Rabbitoh" moniker, with some suggesting that early South Sydney players were among those who caught and sold rabbits for money in the early 20th century. The Rabbitoh's traditional home colours are predominantly red and green.
