Barbarians take shape Downs set for Classic Wallabies
RUGBY UNION: A host of the Darling Downs’ most decorated players are preparing to lace on the boots one more time after being chosen to face the Classic Wallabies in Toowoomba next month.
Selectors have named a 23member over-35 Downs’ squad for the exhibition match at Gold Park on Sunday, June 10.
Head Downs’ coach Rob Johnston describes the line-up of former Darling Downs and Queensland Country reps as an “amazing squad”.
The team will be captained by USQ legend Paul Hanna who represented Lebanon at the 2015 Crescent Cup in Malaysia.
“This amazing squad combines some of the greatest players to have ever played on the Downs with a diverse range of clubs that make up our great region,” Johnston said.
“There has obviously been some very unlucky players not to be selected, however it was a very difficult task in selecting just 23 players from all those who've represented the Downs over the years.”
Players named to run out for the Classic Wallabies include Stephen Hoiles, Nathan Sharpe, Lote Tuqiri, Justin
Harrison and Sean Hardman, who have more than 230 Wallaby caps between them.
The Darling Downs Barbarians include a number of players still playing at club level.
They will be joined by their retired team-mates in what is described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the longserving
Darling Downs ambassadors from 10 different clubs across the region.
“The side have been busy organising a number of training sessions to ensure they are ready to go for the match,” Johnston said.
“However fitness hasn’t been a priority at this stage.”