Local juniors have returned undefeated from a stunning Kids' Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan.
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Oliver Walker and William Moxey were part of the team chosen to travel internationally for the competition.
Central West Under 12s co-coach Rob Nixon couldn't speak highly enough of the trip, lauding the unique opportunity for his troops to learn about new cultures and themselves as people as well, before focusing on their stunning on-field performance.
"It was an incredible experience for all us," Nixon said.
"It was a bit eye-opening for the boys being in a new country and away from their parents but they handled it really well and I think they learned a lot about themselves, it was a very unique opportunity for 10 and 11-year-olds," he said.
"They did incredibly well on the field.
"They're straight out of Wallas rugby and hadn't played on a full field before so we weren't really sure what to expect from them.
"They blew us away, they exceeded our expectations and then some.
"To see them do so well and learn so much about rugby was incredibly pleasing."
Forbes' Oliver Walker and William Moxey said the trip was great fun and had plenty of good competition, and was a 'great experience".
While there was no presentation for winning teams because the event was more about "participation and bringing different nations and cultures together through rugby", Central West was dominant regardless.
They won both their friendly games against Japanese rugby schools before downing invitational sides from England, Indonesia and the host nation too.
"The game against the English side was like a real Test match for the boys. They were from St Ambrose College, which is a rugby school, and it was our biggest win so they were very proud to get that one," Nixon said.
Oliver said the English side proved challenging due to their play style and reliance on passing.
The food is one of the biggest things they found to be different, with lots of meals based around rice Oliver said.
Other things they loved was the different scenery and visiting other buildings and stadiums, William said.
Next up for William and Oliver and the rest of the Central West Under 12s team is the NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championships.
The Under 12s next play at Camden June 8 to 10.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
