The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies visited the Jindabyne Bushpigs Rugby Union Club to help facilitate a junior clinic at JJ Connors Oval, Jindabyne.
The Super Rugby Pacific side were in the region to prepare for the upcoming 2024 Super Rugby season, with a short camp to kick start the year.
Brumbies' players Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Ed Kennedy and Rhys van Nek were present to share some of their knowledge and skills with juniors and seniors.
Attendees were broken into groups where they were able to spend quality time to gain position specific insights from the players.
Offering counsel on goal kicking, passing mechanics, scrummaging to body positioning in contact, participants at the clinic were grateful for the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the country’s top athletes in the code.
For Jindabyne Bushpigs president Matt Want, there was a feeling of anticipation as soon as the club were informed of the clinic.
“For towns like us it’s so critical for the players, coaches and parents to see the connection with Super Rugby players.”
“We’re thrilled to have the Brumbies here in Jindabyne and for the players giving up their time to share some of their knowledge with us.”
“It helps give the kids something to aspire to, they love seeing them on tv and the games. We support the Brumbies really well and it is great to get that support back from them.”
Brumbies prop Rhys van Nek highlighted the importance of having a clear understanding of the fundamentals to the game.
“I know it isn’t the most exciting stuff, but that stuff wins games. It doesn’t matter what skills, it is the fundamentals.”
The front rower was retrospective of his adolescence and being inspired by rugby players during his development.
“They don’t get too much exposure with us coming out here so it’s good to see how many rugby fans are here,” said van Nek.
“A lot of us come from similar communities and rural areas, so it is good for them to see that there is a way to get to the professional scene.
But it’s also a good thing to humble us and remember we were once these kids watching players come to our training sessions."
The ACT Brumbies will launch their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a trial match against the Fijian Drua at Viking Park, kicking off at 6:00PM AEDT on Saturday, 3 February.
The fixture is part of a double header which will feature our Super W side taking on Hong Kong China at 4:00PM AEDT.
Memberships for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season is on sale now.
