We want you! Enlist for an ‘Army of Gold’

Are you sick of being out-cheered, out-sung and out-supported at our own Wallaby home games? We’re on a mission to turn this around. By registering here (for free!) with the upcoming Wallabies supporter group, you can be part of this turn-around, have a blast, support the Wallabies and even get some free stuff all into the bargain.

Can we really make it happen? Well, you might know some of us from the Rebel Army. We’ve been fortunate enough to build a reputation in our short time of helping provide a unrivalled atmosphere at AAMI Park, supporting the Rebels no matter the result, and helping build a culture in this city where the game means more than what appears on the scoreboard after 80 minutes.

Fortunate, because we were there from day one. Melbourne turned rugby into a celebration because we had the opportunity to do so before a ball was kicked in anger. In other parts of the country, and in our national teams, that opportunity has not been afforded. As rugby fans, we’ve almost been brought up to support with a muted satisfaction, rather than a loud burst of pride.

With the raw enthusiasm of rugby supporters and sports fans, the lessons we’ve learnt from the Rebel Army, combined with the resources and fan base of GAGR, and people like you, we want to shift that culture of apathy into a loud and passionate force.

This is what we want to bring to every 80 minutes of test rugby played in Australia. Where every test match is treated as the celebration of our country and our game that it is, rather than something to watch on Foxtel between Robot Chicken and repeats of Friends.

A culture shift doesn’t happen in a game, or a season. This time, the motivation needs to come from us, from the supporters. From a group not established by the ARU, but complementing it. They’re excited and willing to help, all it needs is your interest, and details submitted below to show a commitment.

Don’t just watch the drama, or hear the noise or feel the atmosphere.

Stand up. Yell. Chant. Scream until you’re blue in the face. Give your all for the full eighty.

We’ve approached the ARU about the prospect of “supporter bays”. Pack the most vocal, passionate and rowdy supporters into a set area and let them light the fuse for the atmosphere that shall follow. More importantly, enthusiasm is what is highly required. There’s no point having a supporter bay with the support.

So what have you got to lose? Sign up, and in the worst case, you’ll have some fun, meet new friends, and maybe even score some free stuff and meet a player or two. Best case, you can say you were there when Australia began to celebrate rugby, rather than just watch it.