Nyngan High School’s girls rugby team have taken centre stage, playing an exhibition game of rugby tag against the Central Coast during half time of the Wallabies and Ireland rugby test match last weekend.
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This comes after the school, whose rugby program is going from strength to strength, reported one of the biggest uptakes of female participants in rugby 7s in the Western Plains region.
The girls showed off their skills on the main stage in front of a massive 44,085 fans packed into Allianz stadium last Saturday night.
Coach Cath Smith said it was “fantastic” experience and such “an amazing opportunity” for the girls to meet some of the biggest stars of Australian rugby, and witness first hand the pathways the sport offers.
Before making their centre stage debut, the girls met with and experienced the professionalism of some of the biggest names in Australian Rugby including Cassie Staples, Alicia Quick, Emma Tonegato, Charlotte Caslick, Shannon Parry and also Women’s 7s coach John Manenti.
The ladies witnessed the Australian men and women’s 7s squad train and spoke to an injured Dominique Du Toit. The girls also had their chance to put on their boots and were offered some tips and tricks in an hour-long training session with Australian coach Dale Roberson.
The girls were also at Friday’s captain’s run where they saw the rugby squad undertake their warm up drills, and met with players including Captain Michael Hopper, Tom Robertson, Ned Hanigan, Israel Folau, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu Brandon Paenga-Amosa and legendary John Eales. The ladies were also lucky enough to meet with head of Australian Rugby Raelene Castle.
“It was fabulous, and just an unbelievable opportunity for them and I think that they got a lot out of it and were very excited. It’s something they will remember for the rest of their lives that’s for sure,” Smith said.
Nyngan High School teacher Wendy Robb said the girls gave a big thank you to the Nyngan community and High School for their support, and gave a special thank you to the Bogan Bulls for supplying their team shirts.
“A huge thank you to Gus McDonald, Luke Mack and Jess Wethered for organising the wonderful experiences, and Raelene Castle for letting the girls experience rugby at its finest.”
“Thank you to Cath Smith and Tristan Dal Forno for their continued support and coaching.”
“We are truly grateful for such an amazing experience.”
The team are now training for the Combined High Schools State Championships in Sydney in August.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
