Darwin Rugby and Immersion Experience

In the second week of the holidays, 28 boys from the U16 Rugby squad, along with four Masters, travelled to Darwin for a unique Rugby experience. In conjunction with an organisation called Deadly Rugby and with help from NT Tourism and Government, a platform was set for a Rugby/Immersion experience at the top end of Australia.

Shore travelled alongside Barker College, and both teams welcomed local Indigenous Rugby players into their squads for training and adventures in and around Darwin. A particular highlight was the rock pools and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. With the wet season finished and the crocs no longer at such water holes, this was an incredible experience for all (even Mr Chapman braved the waters!). Another highlight was the squad having the opportunity to attend the Darwin ANZAC Day Dawn Service – a wonderful setting with much WWII history to be aware of.

The week culminated in two games – Shore 16A vs Barker 16A, followed by a “Barbarians” styled format where Shore, local boys and Barker were melded into two teams. This was a particular highlight for the local players, who thoroughly enjoyed the structure, intensity and skills of both school’s programmes. Shore was victorious 45-10 over Barker in the 16A XV fixture and proudly won the inaugural Deadly Rugby Dhuwa trophy. Well done to our boys who trained and executed their game so well – in 35-degree temperatures and close to 95% humidity at times.

Thank you to all the boys, staff and parents who helped make this trip possible. It truly showed what a wonderful vehicle sport is for bringing people together. Once we all take the field, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or who you might be related to, we are all one team.

Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby