The ACT Brumbies will host trial games in rural NSW in February, two double-headers featuring both of the club’s senior sides headlining a rugby roadshow in the Brumbies region.
Australia’s best in 2022, the Brumbies will look to put the finishing touches on their Super Rugby Pacific preparations with clashes against the NSW Waratahs in Griffith on 4 February, and the Melbourne Rebels in Wagga Wagga on 11 February, with school and community visits, rugby clinics and more connecting the club to the local and surrounding communities.
The historic game in Griffith will be the first time the Brumbies have played at Exies Sports Club, the trial against the Waratahs doubling as Stephen Larkham’s side’s first look at their round one opposition, with Scott Fava taking charge of his first game as Super W head coach against the South Australian Black Falcons.
Week two of the roadshow will see the Brumbies return to Wagga Wagga where the club will host the Rebels in both men’s and women’s at McDonald’s Park.
ACT Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said the club is excited to connect with the regional NSW community once again.
“It’s been three years since we’ve been able to bring trial games to regional NSW due to COVID and we’re thrilled to be in the position to now do so again with these two top-class double-headers,” he said.
“To genuinely connect with our community in Griffith, Wagga Wagga and the surrounding regions with these matches and the associated community engagement activities in the region is something we are really excited about.
“Whilst the trial games will naturally take centre stage, we care deeply about growing the game of rugby in our region so to be able to engage with people in the regions schools, rugby clubs and the broader community is what we’re most looking forward to.”
Griffith City Council Mayor, Doug Curran said it’s great for the region to host a quality event such as this.
“It is great to see Griffith recognised as a place to hold significant sporting events such as this. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community, including school children to be exposed to such elite athletes.”
“The event space is an area that Council certainly acknowledges as a great opportunity to improve the liveability for not only our residents but the larger catchment area.”
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Dallas Tout is expecting strong turnouts similar to previous matches played in the area.
“Council is very supportive of having this level of sporting event in the city as it provides a major boost to our economy.”
“The crowds streamed into McDonalds Park when the Brumbies played their two previous trial games here, in 2015 and 2016.
“We’re confident we will see a similar strong turnout for the trial game on 11 February, as there are plenty of rugby fans in this area keen to experience some of the stars of the game battling it out in their own backyard.”
ACT BRUMBIES SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC AND SUPER W TRIALS
ACT Brumbies Super W vs South Australia Black Falcons
Saturday 4 February, 4:00pm
Exies Sports Club, Griffith
ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs
Saturday 4 February, 6:30pm
Exies Sports Club, Griffith
ACT Brumbies Super W vs Melbourne Rebels
Saturday 11 February, 4:30pm
McDonald’s Park, Wagga Wagga
ACT Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels
Saturday 11 February, 6:30pm
McDonald’s Park, Wagga Wagga
Tickets are available now here.
