Judging by the enthusiasm at Coogee beach on Sunday morning, the HSBC Waratahs can expect plenty of vocal support from the younger generation of NSW fans.
Seven players including Rob Horne, Sarel Pretorius and Sekope Kepu joined around a thousand Nippers for beach sprints and ball games before taking on the under-6s in a tug-o-war – and losing! After signing autographs, the players had their photos taken with some of the most enthusiastic Nippers and even the sea breeze couldn’t drown out the volume as the youngsters shouted ‘GO WARATAHS!’
With a number of the Nippers involved with the Randwick Village clubs, there was plenty of support for the HSBC Waratahs contingent that also included former Australian Sevens star Bernard Foley, hooker John Ulugia, giant No. 8 Lopeti Timani, scrum half Brendan McKibbin and coach Alan Gaffney.
Also attending was former NSW Waratahs and Wallaby legend Simon Poidevin, whose 13-year-old son Christian was part of the action.
Said Poidevin, “It was a fantastic day. Everyone I’ve spoken to was thrilled to have the players, Alan (Gaffney) and Chris (Webb, team manager) down there.
“People loved the way the players really connected with the kids and joined in on the beach. Although the water conditions kept everyone out of the water, it couldn’t have gone any better.
“A lot of the Nippers play rugby, so this was a great opportunity for them to meet the players they look up to.”
The event was part of the HSBC Waratahs’ Community Connection program, a new initiative aimed at bringing players and supporters closer together through a host of school, charity and community events planned for NSW across the season.
On Thursday, fans can join a host of sporting heroes including Benn Robinson, Drew Mitchell and Dan Vickerman in Hyde Park as part of the Have A Go Australia Day celebrations. This coming Sunday (January 29), locals Damien Fitzpatrick and Tom Kingston will be among those joining Nippers at Balmoral beach, with Freshwater the venue on Sunday, February 4 (both 8.30-10.30am. Public attendance at all events is encouraged.
Earlier this month, Tamworth pair Benn Robinson and Paddy Ryan joined coach Michael Foley in Armidale for the New England National Rugby Camp, where they worked with around 300 boys and girls eager to improve their rugby skills. Last week, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Daniel Halangahu were among a number of NSW sports stars to play backyard cricket in The Rocks to help promote a state-wide program of Australia Day celebrations.
Photos from all events are posted on the Waratahs Facebook wall, with full details of forthcoming events available on our website at www.waratahs.com.au/CommunityConnection