St Joseph's Nudgee College

September 1, 2011

There was rugby mania at St Joseph’s Nudgee College last week with two special events at the College.

On Wednesday Queensland Rugby Union, as part of a state wide tour, brought the Super Rugby, Bledisloe Cup and Webb-Ellis World Cup trophies to a presentation to all Year 5, 6 and 7 students in Tierney Auditorium.

Nudgee College Old Boy (1996) and QRU State Development Manager, Rob Donaghue, spoke about the history of each competition and value of each trophy. He quizzed the boys on their rugby history knowledge about the three competitions with correct answers winning a prized Australian Rugby cap.

Mitchell Duncan (Year 6), Bailee Robinson (Year 5) and Tylah Carre (Year 7) had the honour of lifting the Super Rugby trophy above their heads just as James Horwill did earlier this year when the Queensland Reds won the Super Rugby competition. With the trophy weighing in at 18kg it is no surprise the boys needed a little cheering on from their classmates. Tom Scherf (Year 6) hoisted the Webb-Ellis World Cup.

All classes had a photo with the trophies and each boy received an Australian Rugby poster and wrist band.

On Thursday Wallaby players Anthony and Saia Faingaa, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Pat McCabe came to the College with their coach, Robbie Deans, as part of an appearance organised by College clothing partner, KooGa.

The visit included an autograph signing session on Ross Oval during lunch time, a skill session with the Wallaby players for the Year 6 A, Year  7 A and Under 13 A rugby teams and a Question and Answer session to finish off.

Under 13 A players Harry Wardle and Charlie Deshon shared their excitement.

“My team mates and I had the privilege of meeting and training with the Wallabies. We did lots of stuff with them including playing touch and getting some new tips on how to improve,” said Harry.

“My highlight was being able to talk to Robbie Deans and get some good tips on rucking. Overall I had a great day and had heaps of fun.”

Charlie said “The highlight of the day was after training when we got the players signatures and had a talk to them”.

Head of Rugby, Anthony Connellan said the College was very fortunate to have two significant rugby visits in the one week.

“This was an outstanding opportunity for the Nudgee College boys to meet some of their rugby idols and to receive some coaching tips from the very best in the game.”

“On behalf of the College I would like to thank KooGa and both the Australian and Queensland Rugby Union’s for their support of rugby at Nudgee College.”

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