This year’s annual rugby match between St Leo’s College and King’s College at UQ will see both teams vie for the Francis and Kassulke Cup in support of Blue September.
Blue September aims to increase awareness of cancer in men and supports the Cancer Council.
The match, to be held on September 20, is one of many events in the lead up to Blue Friday on September 25, when all Australians are encouraged to get BLUE by painting their face or wearing something blue.
In the same vein, both teams will wear gold armbands in support of the Queensland Cancer Council’s “Call to Arms” campaign.
Cancer Council Queensland regional fundraising manager Vicki James said Call to Arms was a great opportunity for men to get together and do something positive in their community.
“Call to Arms aims to alert men about health risks and to increase their awareness of cancer - hosting a Call to Arms match is a great way to make men stand up and take notice,” Ms James said.
Funds raised from the event will go towards men’s cancer research, prevention and early detection programs, and to help support Queensland men with cancer.
The rivalry between the two colleges dates back to 1920 when the first match was played.
The Francis and Kassulke Cup was donated last year and is named after Kingsman Eric Francis, UQ’s first Wallaby in 1914 and Nigel Kassulke, a Wallaby in 1985 who resided at St Leo’s from 1979 to 1981.
Both colleges have enjoyed “golden years” of success, with King’s winning all matches from 1948 to 1959 and Leo’s enjoying an unbeaten 17 years from 1991 to 2006. St Leo’s won the inaugural Francis and Kassulke Cup 26-17 last year.
New Zealand international referee Steve Walsh will referee the match. Mr Walsh is one of the most experienced referees in the world having refereed 35 test matches including the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup between Argentina and South Africa in 2007. He now resides in Sydney.
The match will be played at the main University of Queensland Oval on Sunday, September 20 kicking off at 4pm.
Media: Steve Foley, Vice Rector Students at St Leo’s College (07 3878 0611, 0409 199 383) or Scott Young, Development Manager at King’s College (07 3871 9826, 0416 041 548).
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