Top class rugby is coming to Hobart, with the Rebels to face off against the Waratahs at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, 2 February, in a pre-season trial match.
Now this is all well and good, but what’s happening with the 3rd Tier? Like with any good footy match there will be a curtain raiser: the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers will take on their own challenge playing against the a South Australian President’s XV. This will give the Hobart crowd four states of rugby in one day.
Before the main event two games will be played at North Hobart Oval. Women’s Touch Football will take centre stage at 1.30pm with a Northern Tasmania versus Southern Tasmania game. At 2.50pm the Tassie Jack Jumpers and the South Australians will warm up the rugby union crowd.
Jack Jumpers Coach Derik Joubert said that this demonstrates how rugby has the ability to combine professional outfits such as the Rebels and Waratahs with grassroots clubs throughout Australia.
‘At North Hobart Oval we will have four States of Australia represented with players from local competitions, the South Australian Rugby Academy, Super Rugby and all the way up to Australia’s international representatives – the Wallabies,’ he said.
The South Australian touring side will also play a Tasmanian development team on Sunday, 3 February 2013, at Rugby Park, Cornelian Bay before heading back to South Australia.
The Tasmanian Jack Jumpers will travel to South Australia in July to play against South Australia, Queensland Country and the Northern Territory in the Southern States Invitational carnival.
‘This pre-season game is really important for the team,’ said Joubert. ‘It will provide a clear picture of where we are at ahead of the Southern States Invitational in July this year.’
So if you are travelling to Hobart for the pre-season trial match, make sure you turn up early and support the 3rd Tier!
Tickets for the day are available for purchase now from www.nhfc.com.au.
Program for games at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, 2 February 2013:
1.30pm North v. South Women’s Touch Football
2.50pm Tassie Jack Jumpers v. South Australia Black Falcons
5.30pm Melbourne Rebels v. NSW Waratahs
