Champion Rugby Union Side Off To Nz
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday July 10, 2008
AN Illawarra junior rugby union team will be breaking new ground when they embark on a three-match tour of New Zealand this week.
The Illawarriors under 13s are believed to be the first junior side from the South Coast region to play overseas.The 24-player squad will be joined by about 40 family members and supporters for the 10-day trip that includes three games against some of New Zealand's best regional teams.Coach Ron Davis said the trip would be one to remember for all members of the side."For some of these boys this tour will be the first of many overseas tours but for others this tour may be the only opportunity they get to play rugby overseas," Davis said.The under 13s have enjoyed tremendous success in the past two years, winning the 2006 state championships, the 2007 country championships and finishing second at this year's country championships. The side's ability will be tested with games against Queenstown combined and Kings School of Dunedin before taking on Christchurch Boys High.The highlight of the tour will be the final match against the Christchurch school, who are secondary schools world champions.Many of the Canterbury Crusaders Super 14 players are Canterbury old boys, showing the esteem in which the school is held.The Illawarra squad is: Toby Allnutt, Tom Aney, Baden Ashford, Michael Bates, Jack Brown, Mitchell Conley, Sam Connor, Jamaine Crossley, Rory Davis, Trent Dickenson, Justin Faughlin, Mitchell Glasspole, Drew Hutchinson, Tim Lewis, Iszack lunney, Aden Mcleod, Stuart Mill, Trent Mitchell, Blake Smith, Corey Tulloch, Ben Tyson, Sam Willmont, Sebastian Wilson, Toby Winter.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
