Expectations are running high for UQ’s rugby players to go all the way to claim the 2010 Brisbane Club Championship.
The premier grade side sits atop the ladder after six straight wins (only suffering one loss and one draw after 15 rounds of the competition) and is in scintillating form leading up to the final series in early September. The overall club champions will be crowned next month.
General Manager of the UQ Rugby Club and UQ Rugby Academy David Enfantie said solid results had been achieved across the nine teams UQ has fielded this season, which included a women’s XV.
“I think our success is due to a combination of many things, definitely the quality of the coaching is a big thing,” Mr Enfantie said.
“Another key is that we have developed these young players who have come through our Colts program, but it’s also been complemented with a few of our professional players who have contributed well this year.”
Queensland Reds player James Hanson has played a starring role, as has Jonothan Lance and Heath Tessman, who recently scored a contract with the Melbourne Rebels.
Mr Enfantie expressed confidence in taking out the premier’s trophy with only three rounds remaining before the business end of the season begins.
“I really think they have the goods to go on and win the title this year,” Mr Enfantie said.
“It’s going to be tough though because anyone can beat anyone on the day.”
The UQ Rugby Club works in parallel with the Rugby Academy to help players of all levels improve on-field performance with core skills, position-specific, and strength and conditioning training.
The academy taps into a growing international market attracting players from the UK, North America, Japan and Africa.
Mr Enfantie said snaring the club championship would provide the perfect start to the UQ Rugby Club’s centenary in 2011, which follows the University’s own milestone this year.
“You look back at some of the history around here and you look at some of the photos on the wall here and they are just amazing,” he said.
“The way in which the photos give you a glimpse into the past is quite special so we’re quite proud of be celebrating our centenary next year.”
Media: David Enfantie (07 3870 2152, david.enfantie@uqconnect.net) or Chris Maher or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
