Rugby stars pass tips to youngsters
THE admiration was clear in the eyes of Ignatius Park’s aspiring rugby stars as they continued to roll through each drill.
Tackle, crawl, turn. Wash, rinse, repeat.
All the while former Wallabies second rower Justin Harrison watched on with intent.
Harrison, along with former Queensland Reds half Sam Cordingley, delivered clear lessons throughout the hour long clinic which was part of the Classic Wallabies tour to North Queensland.
The former rugby stars also visited Currajong State School in the afternoon and held a community clinic at the Townsville District Junior Rugby Union at Mike Carney Toyota Park.
Ignatius Park rugby co-ordinator Mark Moxon praised the former Wallabies for giving their time to the young stars.
“It is a great experience for the boys, it gives them a connection to down south, and it gives them a connection to the fact there is something outside of Townsville rugby,” he said.
“I think they are interested because they feel appreciated that someone has come to put them on the map. The fact Ignatius Park has been someone that has gotten behind rugby for a long period of time, they feel rewarded for that.
“It’s great for them to have (the Wallabies) there, to show their worth and to get knowledge from people who have been in the mix.”
For Cordingley, who played 22 games for the Wallabies over a nine-year career, the visit to Townsville was a chance to revisit fond memories of when his Reds beat the Highlanders here back in 2007.
It was the first time an Australian Super Rugby match had been played outside of a capital city, and was part of the game’s dedication to the regions. It’s something the former half believes strongly in.
“It is always great to get out to the regions, that is the great thing with the Classics at the moment; the commitment to growing the game in regional Australia,” he said.
“I think what makes me proud is there is such a strong connection in rugby in Australia, and to see the people that are in these regions that are really fighting hard to continue the greater game. I think that is what makes a lot of us proud, and really enjoy getting out here to support them.
“That is what it is all about, every Classic Wallaby that is here, no one is earning money out of it. It is just giving up time, a lot of people have taken their leave to come and support these regions.
“Townsville has had a tough time earlier this year and it is good to give back and support.”
The Classic Wallabies will finish off their North Queensland tour with a match against a Central Queensland Barbarians side in Rockhampton at the weekend.
A portion of the funds raised through the game will be donated back to Townsville rugby clubs that were affected by the February floods.