As the Wallabies prepare to battle it out in their first 2015 World Cup game against Fiji tonight, some aspiring pro-Rugby players are following their footsteps.
The UQ Rugby team is also seeking glory on foreign soil, taking on Loughborough, Oxford and Cambridge Universities on a two-week tour of England.
UQ Rugby Club General Manager Cameron Chater said it was the perfect time for the squad to be touring England.
“In between games we’ll also be watching the Wallabies play against Uruguay, England and Wales,” Mr Chater said.
“Watching teams play at that level is not only exciting but a great way to pick up some new patterns and structures being implemented by the best teams in the world.”
Several UQ students are taking a short study break and heading over with the squad.
Engineering and Commerce student Sam Reiser, a UQ Half Blue award winner who plays for the Queensland Country squad in the National Rugby Championship (NRC), said the trip was a great opportunity.
“It’s always hard juggling all my priorities, but a trip like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Mr Reiser said.
“I guess I’ll just try and hit the books while I’m in England.”
UQ medicine student Jack de Guingand, a UQ Sport Achievement scholarship recipient and former NRC player, will also join the trip.
“You don’t often get the chance to compete internationally at a high level and watch a rugby world cup.” Mr de Guingand said.
Five other UQ students who are current or previous UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship holders will also be on the tour.
- Gareth Kalell — Bachelor of Commerce
- Angus Scott-Young — Bachelor of Science/Commerce
- James McColl — Bachelor of Applied Science
- Jamason Faanana-Schultz — Associate Degree in Business
- Connor Moroney – Bachelor of Arts
The team’s first match is against Loughborough University on 30 September.
Media: Cameron Chater, cameronc@uqrugby.com, +61 7 3870 5062.
