Pioneer creates rugby club history with life membership

WOLLONGBAR-Alstonville stalwart Bill Johnston has made club history, becoming the Pioneers’ newest life member at the presentation night.

Johnston, 39, is the first player to come through the club’s junior ranks to be named a life member. He is also the first son of a life member, joining his father Eoin, who helped form the club in 1992.

Eoin was already a life member of Ballina rugby club when Bill joined Wollongbar-Alstonville juniors as a nine-year-old.

“It took me by surprise, I’m proud and honoured by how it all happened,” Johnston said.

“I got a bit emotional because Dad has been sick and I’m glad it happened while he’s still around so we could enjoy it together.

“It’s a great community sporting club and it’s been a huge part of my life.”

Johnston was highly regarded as a junior and joined the Western Force Super Rugby academy after finishing Year 12 at Alstonville High School. He later moved to Sydney before returning to the Far North Coast in 2015 to work as a real estate agent.

That year he pulled on a Pioneers jersey for the first time in more than a decade. He went on to win eight first grade premierships between 2015 and 2024 and played in another grand final this year.

He also coached during part of the club’s recent success and has served as president, committee member and junior coach.

“To come back and be part of this current success has been amazing,” Johnston said.

“I would never have thought it would have happened and it’s nice to sit back and reflect on it.

“This group is special because most of the team came through the junior system and have either stayed around or come back to the club.

“From our team that won last year there were only three blokes who weren’t club juniors, it’s a pretty incredible effort.”