The Young Yabbies Junior Rugby Union Club had an unforgettable experience recently as players, parents, and supporters were given a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the Brumbies headquarters followed by a spectacular on-field moment at GIO Stadium during an international match.
The experience, which came as part of a special invitation from Brumbies women’s team manager James, was the result of a growing relationship between the Canberra-based Super Rugby club and the Young Yabbies community. “James visited us about a month ago with some of the Brumbies women’s players to run a training session,” said Sarah Sullivan, Merchandise Manager for the Yabbies. “He was impressed with the community spirit and how engaged the kids were. He came back again to our first gala day on June 29 and from there, he invited us to tour the Brumbies’ facilities.”
The tour took place at the Brumbies’ headquarters located at the University of Canberra, where a group of excited junior girls and their parents got a guided walk-through of the elite-level training environment. “We didn’t see any of the players since they were preparing for the big Lions game that night,” Sarah explained. “But we got to see everything, the gym, change rooms, coaches’ offices, team strategy rooms, and we learned a lot about the history of the Brumbies as well. It was a great insight, especially for the girls, into the professionalism and pride of the club.”
The same night, a select group of Yabbies juniors got to take part in the action at GIO Stadium, with two unique opportunities on the international rugby stage. A handful of younger players mostly from the Under 8s and below were part of the pre-game player tunnel, forming a guard of honour for the Brumbies and British & Irish Lions as they ran onto the field. “Our kids were wearing their Yabbies socks along with the official Jerseys too”.
Meanwhile, the Yabbies’ junior girls team had their moment to shine in front of the roaring crowd, taking part in a special half-time tri-tag match, a non-contact version of rugby developed to encourage female participation.
“The tri-tag game was organised by the Australian Rugby Union. The girls had to enter a ballot to be selected to play,” Sarah said. “We had the largest contingent on the night and played against a combined team from Cootamundra Bears and West Wyalong Pirates clubs we see every weekend at our gala days.”
Though the half-time match wasn’t scored officially, Sarah noted the Yabbies managed to cross the line for a couple of tries in front of the crowd, showing off the skills they’ve been working on all season.
“The girls looked fabulous out there in their Yabbies kit. They were featured on the big screen with footage of their game and the club logos displayed. It was a surreal moment for them and the parents too!”
Sarah said the event was not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the kids, but a real morale booster for the entire club. “To be part of something like an international Lions game is incredibly special,” she said. “The kids handled it with confidence and joy, and the smiles on their faces said it all. It’s moments like these that make community sport so powerful.”
The Young Yabbies continue to be an active part of regional rugby, attending regular gala days and developing the next generation of rugby players in a tight-knit, supportive environment. With experiences like this to inspire them, the future looks bright for junior rugby in Young.
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