BOND OUT TO MEAT TOUGH TIME HEAD-ON
BOND University rugby players are sidelined due to coronavirus bans but they’re still proving to be good sports.
Bull Sharks director of rugby Luca Liussi and staff have quickly shifted their focus from on-field success to what matters most.
“It quickly became a lot less about the rugby and more about our community,” Liussi said of the fallout from COVID-19.
“There are people who are really bad right now, with lack of income, food – they are really struggling.
“It’s a big community of people and so many have been hit differently so we are trying to help where we can.
“When we get through this, we’ll be stronger as a club and have an unbreakable bond with our community.
“It is in line with what the university is doing.”
The Bull Sharks were scheduled to have a pre-season cultural night this month that included a pig spit roast.
Instead, they have donated the pig – thanks to a partnership with a butcher – and portioned it for anyone who is in need of food.
“We are reaching out to everyone in our rugby community,” Liussi said.
“A lot of players between last weekend and now have lost jobs, are worried about mortgages, their wives have lost jobs. They are worried about how they are going to buy groceries.
“We portioned it all up – chops, diced pork, spare ribs, roasts – and anyone struggling should reach out.
“We can get our hands on more. It costs about $350 and the club pays for it, and if there is demand we’ll continue.”
While the immediate focus is on the financial and mental hardships faced in the community, Bond won’t neglect the fitness needs of players.
“We’ve identified mental, physical and financial challenges to players and staff,” Liussi said.
“Fitness and rugby is very important to the group, so from next week we’ll be livestreaming yoga classes from 6am and body-weight classes.
“The guys and girls can tune in and that is important for mental health.
“We are making sure that we are checking in with every person in the group.
“I’m so proud of our rugby staff, coaching staff and everyone involved, they have been relentless making sure everyone is OK.”