Berrick Barnes will visit Tamworth later this week as part of the HSBC Waratahs lead up to next month’s Woodleys Volvo Challenge trial match.
Barnes and the HSBC Waratahs kick off their FxPro Super Rugby preparations with a trial match against Samoa in Tamworth on Friday, February 10, 2012.
Said Barnes, “Tamworth is a town that thrives on big events, like the Jayco Tamworth Country Music Festival, and it’s a great place to play footy. It’s important to us to go back to the country areas to play. Support from country rugby fans is fundamental to us and rugby in Tamworth is particularly strong.”
An avid country music fan, Barnes is taking the opportunity to visit Tamworth to promote the match and experience the 40th Jayco Tamworth Country Music Festival.
He and his wife Rebekah will arrive in Tamworth on Friday afternoon and attend the ABCRA finals at the Australian Equestrian and Livestock Event Centre.
On Saturday morning Barnes and HSBC Waratahs team mate, Tamworth local Paddy Ryan, will take part in the Country Music Cavalcade, the street parade which heads down Tamworth’s main street from 9am.
After the Cavalcade, Barnes will be interviewed at the stage in Jayco Place (Ray Walsh House forecourt) in Peel Street. He and Rebekah will attend the CMAA Awards on Saturday night at Tamworth Regional Events and Conference Centre.
Tamworth Regional Council Sports Development Officer, Lindsay Burrows, said it was great to have two top rugby players support the Festival Cavalcade and promote the Woodley’s Volvo Challenge.
“Interest in the HSBC Waratahs match against Samoa has been strong with hundreds of rugby fans already buying tickets so they can see top level rugby here in Tamworth,” he said. “There are still plenty of good seats available at the 4,000 seat Scully Park venue.”
Tickets for the Woodleys Volvo Challenge start from $30 for adults, $20 for concessions and $80 for families (two adults and two children). They can be bought in person at West Tamworth League Club or Wests Diggers or online at www.wtlc.com.au
The HSBC Waratahs will face last season’s champions the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium in the opening round of the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby season on Saturday, February 25 and the Tamworth encounter will form a crucial part of the team’s preparations.
“The match will be a chance for us to blow the cobwebs out and play some footy against a strong and physical opposition. It will give us a good indicator of where we’re at ahead of the big opener against the Reds two weeks later,” said Barnes.
The match will be the first in charge for new 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,” said Foley.
“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 squad will be in the area in the week leading up to the match and a number of training clinics for our local schools and junior clubs are being planned.”
Tamworth Regional Council acknowledges the major sponsors of the match, Woodleys Motors and Volvo as well as the support of Wests Entertainment Group and media partners, The Northern Daily Leader, 2TM/FM92.9 and NBN Television.