The Waratahs will kick off their Super Rugby 2012 preparations with the first of two trial matches against Samoa in Tamworth on Friday February 10, 2012.
A second match will take place at the Sydney Football Stadium the following week with full details due to be confirmed shortly.
rugbyweek
The squad will make the journey north the week before the match before undertaking a week-long training camp in the Tamworth region.
“It’s great to see a team like the Waratahs come to a regional area and boost interest in rugby and sport in general,” said Simon Haire of Tamworth Regional Council.
“Their visit is great news for the Tamworth region and will be strongly supported by the local community. The squad will be in the area for the week before the match and we are already planning a number of community engagement activities, including training clinics for our local schools and junior clubs and a shopping centre visit.”
The match will take place at the 4,000-seat Scully Park ground. “We anticipate a strong take up from around the region and with the ticket prices we have set, we believe the game will sell out,” added Haire.
The Waratahs will face last season’s champions the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium in the opening round of the 2012 Super Rugby season (Saturday February 25) and the Tamworth encounter will form a crucial part of the team’s preparations.
“We see this trial and visit to Tamworth as an integral part of our Super Rugby preparation,” said Waratahs Head Coach Michael Foley.
“Not only will we have the chance to play our first game against a formidable opposition but it will be a chance to give a little back to a strong rugby area and make a lasting impression on Tamworth and the Central North region.
“Over the past few years we’ve visited several rural and regional areas such as Lismore, Orange and Nowra and really enjoyed taking to the road and visiting the fans, members and rugby families from outside the Sydney area.
“The week in Tamworth will enable the team to continue with our plans both on and off the field and enhance our connection with the community. ”
“The Waratahs represent New South Wales and some of our players hail from the rural areas like Benn Robinson, whose family property is in the Tamworth area, Kane Douglas from Yamba, Pat McCutcheon from Narromine and Paddy Ryan from Tamworth and it is important to us that we recognise this in our program.”