Aussies warm up for Tokyo in NT
THE Australian sevens side was up in Darwin this week on a heat exposure camp ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
With Tokyo likely to be a scorcher and a sure test of fitness, a few days of intense training under the Darwin sun was a necessary step in preparations for the Aussie team.
Australia coach Tim Walsh was pleased with the conditions and facilities available in Darwin, perfect for getting his side best prepared for what lies ahead in the Olympics.
“Darwin is a fantastic place to prepare ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, particularly when it comes to heat exposure. It’s the gold medal factory,” Walsh told the Sunday Territorian. “It’s all about getting used to and learning to love the heat.
“Just about all the players have had a run up here in the Darwin Hottest 7s and they all love coming up here. We couldn’t be happier with the facilities. The Michael Long Centre is fantastic for high performance and there are plenty of fields which is a luxury for a sporting team.
“We couldn’t ask for a better place to train a national team.”
Preparations for the Olympics have not been easy with COVID-19 throwing plans into turmoil. But the strength of character from his men has been most pleasing for Walsh.
Next up for the Australian side in its preparations is a trip to New Zealand where the side will compete in a three-day tournament against some of the best sides in the world, including its host and Fiji.
“We are here for performance and the boys are going to be knackered every night after some intense training,” Walsh said.
“It’s been a long journey for a lot of us and I couldn’t be prouder of the way the whole team has adapted and handled the circumstances.
“To watch this team develop and become more self-aware and resilient has been huge.
“Our strapline is to innovate, inspire and include and that’s what these guys are doing.
“The trip to New Zealand is about setting a benchmark against the best in the world. We feel mentally and physically good.”
NT Rugby Union CEO Shane Sullivan was delighted to have the national squad up for the trip, feeling it was a great opportunity for kids to see players of that standard.
And with the rugby and greater Darwin community able to come down to watch today’s training from 3pm and meet the players afterwards, it’s a great chance for younger players to see some of their heroes.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have them up here. It’s a bit of a hit-and-run camp as a warm-up for the Olympics,” Sullivan said.
“We do have a community open session on Sunday from 3pm open to the rugby community and the general public to come down and enjoy watching them train.
“It’s that aspirational factor having them here. Professionals such as these is something that Darwin doesn’t get to see often.
“We’re working hard with Rugby Australia to increase the exposure that the Darwin rugby community has to the other levels.”