The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies were met with a surprise rendition of the team song ‘Proud to be a Brumby’ upon arrival at Gold Creek Primary.
The weekly visits are part of the club's support for the Canberra Milk School Roadshow, which the Brumbies have been a part of for several seasons.
Jahrome Brown, Tamati Tua, James Slipper, Austin Anderson, Jack Debreczeni, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper and Billy Pollard were on hand to engage with K-2 students in the Gold Creek Primary assembly hall.
Players were engaged in numerous dance battles, planking and push up challenges, a team Q & A and signing session during their stay.
Gold Creek Primary School Kindergarten Teacher and longtime Brumbies fan, Stephanie Wilson was grateful for the playing group who visited the Nicholls-based school.
"It's always exciting to see our boys [Brumbies] come out to the school. We love seeing the players, it brings a lot of hype to the kids. We taught the chorus of the team song today so we could get some engagement with the players."
"It was nice for them to sing along with the kids, it was a great thing to see."
Wilson understands the importance of role models in the local community and how school visits and improve morale for both players and students.
"I think the push ups and dance offs between the children and sports stars shows that they are humans just like us. It gives the kids a sense of pride, these are memories that will last with them forever," said Wilson.
Brumbies back Jack Debreczeni, who returns to the field for the first time in 2024 this Saturday evening against the NSW Waratahs, was caught up amongst a moshpit of students.
"It is always great to see the wider support across the ACT region. I'm pretty excited for tomorrow, it is generally a big crowd the Tahs-Brumbies games."
The fly-half was in a jovial mood seeing his team mates take on the kids in various challenges.
"I think we were 0 from 3. We lost the plank challenge, push-up challenge and dance challenge. The kids were far too good, so we'll have to improve next time we come out," laughed Debreczeni.
The Brumby added, "It was great to see smiles on the boys and kids faces, it's a great connection piece."
The ACT Brumbies take on the NSW Waratahs, kicking off from 7:35PM AEDT this Saturday night at GIO Stadium.
Don’t miss any of the action, with tickets starting from $15 for a junior and $25 for an adult.
Secure your seats to our first home match of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season here.
