TGS Old boys in Qld Reds squad

Four Toowoomba talents form part of the Queensland Reds 2018 Super Rugby squad.

Toowoomba Grammar School old boys Harry Hoopert, Markus Vanzati, Jean-Pierre Smith and Hamish Stewart were named in the line-up.

Flyhalf Stewart is a new signing after making his Reds debut this season.

Earlier this year former TGS First XV players Hoopert and Stewart were named in the Australian under-20s squad.

Hoopert joined Brothers this season from Dalby Wheatmen while Stewart plays for Bond University in Brisbane and National Rugby Championship premiers Queensland Country.

Vanzati, Hoopert and Smith were all named as props.

Vanzati also made his Reds debut this year.

Former TGS prop JP Smith (2006-07) is one of the Reds’ surprise signings.

The ex-Brumbies and Stormers prop played Super Rugby last year and signed on as assistant coach with Sunshine Coast Rugby Union this season.

TGS headmaster Peter Hauser said having four players in the Reds side was a testament to the school’s rugby program.

“We have specialist staff in all sports,” he said.

“This year there were 483 boys playing school rugby which represented 26 GPS teams.

“I imagine some of them will go on to reach the top level.”