Wallabies returning to their roots

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I know we bag the ARU for their lack of attention to the grass roots of the game, so I'm glad to see this. It's a good start:

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallab...tas_wallabies_towns,146112.html/section/21893

Rocky is first cab off the rank, with other S15 and test players to follow.

 

[truckandtrailor]

I hope Berrick comes back to Kingaroy!!!!!!!! The kids will lose their sh*t!!!

 

[Lindommer]

Good to see they're not going back to their private schools (Nudgee, Ipswich GS, BBC, Joeys, Knox, King's, Eddies, etc) but to where they grew up. Be nice to see a handful in western Sydney, where they're desperately needed.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

TPN is supposed to be going to his primary school in Parramatta I think, but I agree about going back to where they spent their formative years.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Good to see they're not going back to their private schools (Nudgee, Ipswich GS, BBC, Joeys, Knox, King's, Eddies, etc) but to where they grew up. Be nice to see a handful in western Sydney, where they're desperately needed.

My question is, will this be a regular thing? While a somewhat applaud this intiative it cannot be a one off. We need our Wallaby and Super Rugby player's to act as not only ambassadors but as development officers. Make them earn their keep outside of training and playing.

 

[DPK]

Is this all the players that will be returning, or will there be more added to the list?

 

[Gooch]

I agree with WorkingClassRugger, I think it's a great idea and should become a regular thing. If each contracted player did this once a year, it would create a good initiative, getting kids in contact with these guys and hopefully more likely to continue playing. As TBH said, it's good to see a tangible thing that the ARU is doing for grassroots, hope it becomes something bigger.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

It's something the AFL does very well: getting players out into primary schools promoting the game.

 

[DPK]

It's something the AFL does very well: getting players out into primary schools promoting the game.

Probably because there's so many bloody players in a team!

 

[EVERYFWDTHINKTHEYREA6OR7]

Great initiative. I would like to see something similar to AFL's AusKick employed at schools. Maybe even some funding for kids under 9 to play for free on the weekends?