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Irish Times
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Times
Irish players find a home in ‘County Coogee' with Sydney club Randwick
News flash from Australia. For all the apparent doom and gloom around the fall of the Wallabies , the struggles of their provincial sides and Rugby Australia discarding the Melbourne Rebels, no less than in Ireland , club rugby appears to be alive and well. And the connections between the two have never been stronger. A day with the world-renowned Randwick club, adjacent to Coogee beach, last Saturday confirmed all of this. Coogee is home to the Irish diaspora in Sydney the way Croydon is in London. Depending on the time of the year, the Irish might account for 15 to 20 per cent of the local population, hence its local moniker 'County Coogee'. And game day at Randwick's Coogee Oval which, as the banner on the entry gate says, is the 'Home of the Galloping Greens' is indeed a full day. The quadruple-header, as it were, begins with Randwick 4s v Sydney University at 10am, continuing through 3 v 3s and 2 v 2s before culminating in the Randwick 1s v Sydney Uni 1s in the Shute Shield at 3pm. You wonder why the Irish clubs don't do the same. They mightn't have the numbers for a four-match billing, but even a double-header between the same clubs, concluding with an AIL firsts game, perhaps kicking off at 3pm as well, would only enhance match days. READ MORE Admittedly, it also helps when its 20 degrees on a sunny winter's Saturday and there's a firm grassy pitch. Even so, the teams hang around this quaint, picturesque ground, which is also home to the Randwick Petersham Cricket club, after their games, thus building to a nice atmosphere in front of 2,000 or so committed, community-based fans. Ireland impress as the Lions struggle Listen | 26:21 A chunk of the Oval ground is halved to make for a more intimate and natural square-shaped pitch, which is lined by apartments and trees, three stands or coverings on the same side as the dressingrooms, and an unclosed, temporary stand on the opposite side. Some players double up by perhaps starting one game and 'benching' on another. The Randwick 3s feature Paddy Fox (a back three player with Navan), Ed Brennan (Clontarf backrower), Alex Molly (Old Wesley centre), Darren Brady (an eight with Virginia in Cavan) and Nick Quirke (a Greystones centre). In the Randwick 2s' team are Emmet Burns (a UCD prop, once of Connacht), Mick Courtney (a Clontarf centre) and the Terenure outhalf Callum Smith. The latter was a massive part of Terenure's historic AIL triumph in the 2022/23 season after joining from Malone, and although unable to placekick due to a foot injury, is the game's standout player, scoring a try in their 52-28 win. Smith isn't playing for the firsts primarily because the promising James Hendren, contracted to the Waratahs, is continuing his education at outhalf. Smith's sometime half-back partner Alan Bennie played for Sydney Uni in that 2s game as well and would have benched for their 1s but for a slight niggle. Their 1s also have Declan Moore, a former hooker with Ulster and Munster. Randwick's banner at the Coogee Oval in Sydney. Maintaining the strong Terenure theme, the Randwick 1s, coached by the former Leinster player Shaun Beirne, feature prop Campbell Classon and lock Mick Melia, as well as the Old Wesley number eight Matthew Bursey. The strength in depth is superior to Irish clubs, but the standard of the Shute Shield and AIL Division 1A looks similar, if different in style. The former is less structured. When Randwick fullback Brooklyn Hardaker gathers a missed Sydney Uni penalty in his own ingoal area, he runs to his own 22, but rather than clearing the ball he opts for a chip. It doesn't come off but there's no chastising him from the sidelines. Hendren glides in for one try, and outside centre Hamish Comonte for another, in an important 40-17 win for Randwick which moves them above Sydney Uni into sixth, the last playoff place, after 13 rounds and five games remaining. The glue for this group of temporary exiles is Conor Pender. A passionate rugby man, he's hung up his playing boots having started out playing mini rugby at Terenure, returning there with the under-20s and seconds while also winning a few AIL caps. His grandfather, Michael Pender, captained Terenure many moons ago. Among the crowd is Omar Hassenein, the Dublin-based former head of the Irish Rugby Players Association, who has been filling the same brief the international equivalent. He renews acquaintances with former team-mates from Randwick's Grand Final triumph in the early Noughties. There's a trophy for nearly every match, which on this day is presented by Simon Poidevin, aka 'The King', having been part of eight winning finals of the 11 in which he played. The Randwick rugby manager, his preferred title as opposed to Director of Rugby, is Andrew 'Bowie' Bowman. He played a season with Old Belvedere at the same time as Michael Cheika and David Knox first pitched up in Leinster. By coincidence, Bowman points to Knox walking across the pitch into the distance after watching from his perch on the stand side underneath a tree which Knox calls the 'indigenous umbrella'. Bowman was also part of that Shute Shield team in 2000 and although Randwick sadly sold their clubhouse, meaning all their memorabilia has been stored away, he believes the club is in a great place, with their strong Irish connection serving as an integral part. The Randwick 1s after their game against Sydney Uni. 'There's a big Irish contingent in the location and in the club. County Coogee is well and truly alive. We've got a team song that's been around for 50, 60 years, which is McNamara's Band. It's an old Irish folk song.' It was adopted after Randwick toured Ireland in the 60s and, right on cue, the players' rendition is aired through the speakers from the dressingroom before they emerge. Classon believes the standard of rugby between the AIL 1A and the Shute Shield is very similar. 'The calibre of players is higher. They all are in shape. They're all looking after their bodies and good athletes, because the weather's so good. That makes a big difference. But they're not as structured, so their detail isn't as high, I would say, when it comes to the scrum. It's not as detail-focused as Terenure.' Melia, who has been with Randwick a year longer, jokes: 'When we heard in Terenure that we had a new prop called Campbell Classon, we thought he would be a big scrummaging South African tighthead, not a ball-playing loosehead from Donegal!' They and other Irish rugby players, especially those in their late 20s, moved to Australia for a life-enhancing experience, and playing rugby gives their week structure, keeps them fit and maintains their bond. Colm de Buitléar is also close to playing again after overcoming a torn Achilles tendon. 'It's a good Terenure contingent, and we all stick together. I don't think you get that in any other club,' Classon adds. 'I think the camaraderie we have is amazing. It's amazing that the Irish connection here in this club. It's always been there, and it's stronger than ever. Randwick even wears green, and they sing McNamara's Band.' Melia has another motive to keep playing: 'My old man's junior vice-president in the club. So he'll be president I think, in 2027 or '28. To be honest with you, it's nearly the only reason that I keep playing over here. Every season, I go, but I keep going, and I need to play once more for Terenure.'
The 42
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
A day at Randwick, the most famous rugby club in Australia
IT'S JUST BEFORE midday and the winter sun is shining at Coogee beach in Sydney. Or 'County Coogee' as it's known due to the many Irish accents around the place. That Irish lilt is noticeable across the road at the Coogee Oval, home to Australia's most famous rugby club. Randwick has a central role in Aussie rugby. Even at this relatively early hour, the club is abuzz. The third grade team are into the second half of their clash with Sydney University. The fourth grade sides from both clubs are already finished, having kicked off at 10.25am. Rap tunes are blaring from the changing rooms, letting you know that Randwick's second grade side are getting ready for their game at 1.05pm. And the first grade players are milling about the place, with the main event to come at 3.05pm. This is how things work in Aussie rugby. One club hosts all the teams from the other. The U20 sides are playing in the nearby Nagle Park, with the first of the three games at that level kicking off as early as 9.45am. Everyone eventually gathers at Coogee Oval and the whole atmosphere builds towards the first grade clash in the Shute Shield, the annual club competition in New South Wales made up nearly exclusively of Sydney clubs. The rivalries are ferocious. Bragging rights are on the line, with the overall tallies of wins across the day watched closely. 'I don't know why they don't do this in Irish rugby,' says Randwick first grade head coach Shaun Berne, who played for Leinster from 2009 until 2011 and then started his coaching career in Ireland. 'By the time second grade's kicking off, fourth grade are having a drink, watching their mates, cheering their club. The opposition's doing the same thing. 'All their friends and family are turning up, there's the old old boys coming in. And then by 3 o'clock, all of a sudden there's a crowd to support the first grade game.' Randwick head coach Shaun Berne. It's a special thing to witness, particularly in a place like Randwick. This club has a rich history, having produced coaches like Michael Cheika, Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, Bob Dwyer, Alan Gaffney, and over 100 Wallabies players, including the three Ella brothers. Randwick took on the All Blacks here in 1988. Cheika played in that game, then brought his Argentina side to play the 'Wicks at the Coogee Oval in a warm-up match before the 2019 World Cup. Jones visited Randwick with the Japan U23 side back in April, with Berne's men winning that one. But this lovely winter's day is all about how the 'Galloping Greens' fare against Sydney Uni. Walk in the gate and the first person to say hello is Alex Molloy, who has shone for Old Wesley in the All-Ireland League in recent years but recently moved to Sydney. Molloy just made his debut for 'the 4s', coming on for the last few minutes as he returned from injury. He is the first of many Irish faces in Randwick. That 4s team also included former Clontarf man Ed Brennan. Standing alongside Berne up in the stand is Donegal man Campbell Classon, who played for Terenure in the AIL up until moving to Sydney a year ago. He's part of the Randwick first-grade team and works in construction. Mark Harrison, the club's general manager, is floating around making sure everything is running smoothly. He played for Randwick during their glory days in the 1980s when they won seven of their overall 32 Shute Shields. It was hard to get in the first grade team then and it remains so even now. With the smell of burgers and brisket wafting in the air and cans of beer being dished out of the well-organised club shop, the second grade sides have kicked off. The quality is good, with a huge amount of running rugby. This is the Randwick way. 'There's no kid who grows up and wants to just be part of a box kick,' says Berne, who was a creative centre or out-half, playing more than 65 first-grade games for the Wicks and captained them to the 2004 Shute Shield. His pro career involved time with Bath, the Waratahs, and Calvisano, as well as Australia A. Advertisement 'That kid wants to pick up the ball and try to score a try, and run over there and find space.' Former Clontarf man Mick Courtney is on the wing for the 2s and nearly scores a wonder try. Perhaps the pick of the bunch of tries in Randwick's win sees Irish out-half Callum Smith find Irish loosehead prop Emmet Burns with a slick inside pass before Burns offloads for a brilliant score. Burns, who overcame cancer a few years ago, used to play for UCD, while Smith was once part of the Ulster set-up and then starred for Terenure in recent years. The out-half is just coming back from a serious injury. 'They're called frenemies here,' says Berne with a smile. 'You're the enemy on the other side of the world in Dublin or in Ireland, then they become friends here.' While the Irish lads are weaving magic on the pitch, first grade captain Joel Ellis is explaining that Randwick is a core part of his life. He grew up a few 100 metres from the Coogee Oval and has played for the club since leaving school eight years ago. Every team in the club trains on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with the 1s also gathering on Mondays for video review and skills. 'We're like an AIL Division 1A team,' says Berne. Gym work is done in their own time because the vast majority of them have day jobs. Ellis is part of the family plumbing business. 'Joel works hard Monday to Friday doing that,' says Berne later. 'And then he has to turn up on Tuesday and, you know, bash heads with blokes and then Saturday, he goes out and gets his body sore. He wakes up Sunday, has a day to himself, then does it all again.' Ellis points to scrum-half Tas Smith on the second grade team. Smith has just played a full season of Major League Rugby for LA, coached by Randwick man Stephen Hoiles, Berne's predecessor. Ellis considered going over to the US but is sticking with the Wicks for now. As Ellis and his team-mates head off to prepare for the main event, the atmosphere is building. By now, the 3s, 4s and U20s are gathering in their special stand on the far side of the pitch, seated around a big Esky cooler full of beers. They're ready to make some noise. Tucked away in the office at the top of the stand is Chris Fraser, the timekeeper and scoreboard operator for every single game. He's the kind of friendly, long-serving volunteer that makes any sports club possible. More fans are flowing in, some recognisable faces among them. There's Hoiles, just back from the States. Ex-Wallaby centre Morgan Tirinui, now a pundit on Stan Sport, is here too. Tirinui's son, Felix, delivered a classy crossfield kick for the winning try against the Japan U23s in April. Omar Hassanein, the CEO of International Rugby Players, is gathered in the old boys' corner beside the beer stand on the beach side of the pitch. He grew up close to the Oval and is meeting his former Randwick team-mates to watch the rugby. The Randwick community is tight-knit and the network is strong. They lean on each other. 'Earlier in the year when we had that Japan game, Eddie Jones came back and watched us play Parramatta, the Two Blues, that Saturday and he presented jerseys to the guys making their debut that day,' says Berne. 'Then recently, Emmet Burns and a few others were making their first-grade debuts and I called up Paul Cheika, Michael's brother. Paul was actually a better player, a prop and a hard man. Paul played 296 games for Randwick and was a Premiership-winning first-grade captain. 'So it just makes it special, that community feel.' It's nearly showtime, but first there's a ceremony to mark Indigenous Round in the Shute Shield. The Ella brothers – Mark, Glen, and Gary – are the most famous Indigenous Wallabies of them all and Randwick is deeply proud of them. Today, it's former Wallaby and Randwick man Lloyd Walker who leads the ceremony, a 20-minute celebration of Aboriginal culture. When the Randwick team are warming up, they wear a special Indigenous-themed jersey designed by Wallabies wing Dylan Pietsch, another Randwick man with Aboriginal ancestry. By now, the place is heaving, everyone kitted out in something that sports the Randwick logo. Young kids tear around the place with big bags, competing to collect the most empty beer cans in order to earn the top prize for cleaning up. And after Randwick and Sydney University line up for the national anthem, we're underway. Berne's men need a win to give their play-off hopes a major boost and they get it. It's a commanding 40-17 win in the end as their attractive brand of rugby proves too much for their Sydney rivals. The quality is high, with some excellent players on show. Terenure man Mick Melia is a key figure in the second row with his physicality and skills, having been pivotal when his Dublin club won the AIL in 2023. By now, there's a big crew of Terenure folk gathered on the touchline, all of them part of the Randwick family even if they don't play. They're heading onto the Lions' clash with the Waratahs after this. Colm de Buitléar, also part of that 2023 AIL-winning side, has been sidelined by injury this season, but he's a Randwick man and can enjoy watching the 1s rack up a crucial win over Sydney Uni. Front row Classon comes off the bench to show his silky handling, while former Leinster underage back row Matthew Bursey carries hard at number eight. The athleticism of these first-grade players is impressive, which is no surprise given that some of the Australians have professional aspirations. Out-half James Hendren is on the books with the Waratahs and spent the week helping them to prepare to face the Lions. 'James is a tallish, lanky sort of guy that runs a bit like a Stephen Larkham, covers the ground quickly and reads the game really well,' says Berne before the game. Hendren runs in a stunning solo try and kicks beautifully throughout. He hopes that playing for Randwick can launch him onto bigger and better things, like many players before him. The Shute Shield is also a great development ground for ambitious coaches. It has been the ideal place for Berne's re-entry into full-time coaching. He started off in Ireland with Coolmine RFC and St Mary's College, two different experiences which taught him that context is everything. He began working as an elite player development officer with Leinster in 2015 but returned to Australia two years later to join the Western Force staff and then move on to the Rebels. In 2019, Berne stepped up as a Wallabies assistant coach to Cheika for the World Cup following the departure of Stephen Larkham. With the Rebels disbanding, Berne left rugby a few years ago and was working with analysis software company Hudl until Randwick came calling. He's not sure where this role will lead – he has a 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old twin sons to consider – but it's clear that he is loving being back home in Randwick. He's a happy man by the final whistle, a big bonus-point win lifting them above Sydney Uni into sixth in the ladder with five more regular-season rounds to go. Randwick have won just one Shute Shield in the last 20 years, but they always aim for the pinnacle. The players gather huddle up in their changing room under the stand and as darkness falls over Coogee Oval, they belt out the club song heartily. McNamara's Band is fitting. Oh, my name is McNamara I'm the leader of the band Although we're few in number We're the finest in the land Oh, Hennesy, Tennessy tootles the flute The music's something grand A credit to old Ireland Is McNamara's band Da da da da, da da da da Hey, up the Wicks!
The 42
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Waratahs huge underdogs as Farrell asks for more Lions progress
ENGLISHMAN JAMIE ADAMSON will play for the Waratahs against the Lions in tomorrow's match in Sydney and then head off to Canberra to wear a Lions jersey for the tourists' clash with the Brumbies on Wednesday. Adamson will be in the stands with his family supporting the Lions next week. The 25-year-old, who is on the bench for the Waratahs tomorrow [KO 11am Irish time, Sky Sports], was released by the Great Britain 7s back in 2023 and decided to go on an adventure to Australia to play club rugby. Adamson won the Shute Shield with Sydney's Easts but then moved back home to England in the hope of returning to the 7s fold. Just a couple of weeks later, Waratahs boss Dan McKellar asked him to join the Sydney franchise on a trial basis. It went well. Adamson has racked up 11 appearances in Super Rugby this year and now he gets a chance to take on the Lions, a team he has supported all his life and probably once hoped to play for. Many others in the Waratahs' matchday 23 have intriguing stories of their own, even the famous players. 29-year-old Taniela Tupou was seen as one of the best tightheads in rugby only a few years ago but his form fell away drastically. In May, he told the Sydney Morning Herald about the mental struggles he's been dealing with. Tupou is still in the Wallabies set-up, but he has been released to the Waratahs for tomorrow's game in a bid to show that he has what it takes to face the Lions in a couple of weeks. Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo At the other end of the scale in terms of experience, 21-year-old Waratahs loosehead prop Jack Barrett should get the chance to scrummage against Tadhg Furlong at Allianz Stadium tomorrow. Openside flanker Charlie Gamble is a New Zealand native who moved to Sydney in 2018. Initially, he was playing so-called 'Subbies' amateur rugby and working as a delivery driver for an alcohol supplier. Advertisement He swiftly rose through the grades in Sydney rugby to secure a contract with the Waratahs in 2020 and five years later, he gets the opportunity to plays against the Lions. 21-year-old out-half Jack Bowen has only started two games in Super Rugby and he's preferred to Wallabies-capped Tane Edmed as the number 10 for tomorrow's game. Every single one of these Waratahs will be proud and pumped up to play against the Lions but with seven of their key players remaining in Wallabies camp, there are fears that they will struggle to compete, especially if Andy Farrell's side can deliver something closer to an 80-minute performance. There are some good pros in the Waratahs 23. Lock Fergus Lee-Warner spent time in the Premiership, skipper Hugh Sinclair has a hard edge, blindside Rob Leota has 21 Wallabies caps, wing Andrew Kellaway has been released by Joe Schmidt along with Tupou, and clever centre Lalakai Foketi has reportedly signed for the Chiefs in New Zealand. It should help that Mike Catt is the Waratahs' attack coach and will have helped to prepare them well for facing an Andy Farrell team. But the reality is that there is a major gulf in quality between the two teamsheets for tomorrow. The Tahs are massive underdogs for this one. Lions head coach Farrell has rung the changes again after Wednesday's win over the Reds, but he saw more to like in that performance in Brisbane. Now he wants things to go up another level against the Waratahs. Mack Hansen at the Lions' captain's run in Sydney. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO 'A bit more continuity, a bit more putting things together,' is what he hopes to see in Sydney. 'There's a bit of a stop-start nature with our outcomes… just lacking a bit of staying in the moment as much as we possibly can. 'But having said that, I think it's getting better. There's always things to fix in every single game but we've been pleased with some of our progression. 'Our breakdown work was great the other night, our transition work – whether it be defence to attack, attack to defence – was pretty good as well. 'So, yeah, we want to keep improving our defence because that's the main thing you'd want to stand for. I know defence has been pretty good, but there's still room for improvement.' The Brumbies game in Canberra was always going to be the Lions' toughest challenge against the Aussie Super Rugby sides because they've been consistently the best for years now. The hope is that the Waratahs' obvious emotion and delight at getting a shot at the Lions helps them to deliver a credible, competitive performance tomorrow. If not, we could be in for a rout that does nobody any good. WARATAHS: Lawson Creighton; Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Darby Lancaster; Jack Bowen, Teddy Wilson; Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Taniela Tupou; Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero; Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Hugh Sinclair (captain). Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Jack Barrett, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O'Donnell. LIONS: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Blair Kinghorn; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Pierre Schoeman, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Finlay Bealham; Tadhg Beirne (captain), James Ryan; Henry Pollock, Josh van der Flier, Ben Earl. Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Ellis Genge, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Scott Cummings, Jac Morgan, Ben White, Marcus Smith. Referee: Paul Williams [New Zealand].
The Advertiser
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Canteen duty and Prime Ministers: Wallabies pull political powerbrokers to Newcastle
From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT
The Advertiser
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'A lot fitter than me': Knights NRLW forward ignites a Newcastle rugby career
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
