A group of enthusiastic Junior Yabbies were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at GIO Stadium last week, thanks to Brumbies Women’s Rugby Head, James Erwin.
As part of the Brumbies' broader Southern Inland outreach, teams from across the region were invited to take part in the historic Brumbies vs British and Irish Lions fixture on July 9.
Among them were the Junior Young Yabbies girls teams, who took to the field in a tri-tag exhibition match.
Ben Reid, President of the Junior Yabbies, said the invitation came directly from the Brumbies.
“The Brumbies reached out to some of the Southern Inland teams to be part of the night," he said.
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"It was a pretty rare opportunity, something that only comes around once every 12 years.”
Thirty junior players, along with parents and family members, travelled to Canberra for the event.
Each player received a complimentary ticket along with one for a parent or guardian.
“It was a very rare chance for the kids to experience something like this, being on the field in front of such a massive crowd,” Ben said.
The Yabbies' presence was felt throughout the evening, not just during their match, but as they formed the tunnel for the main game and made appearances on the stadium’s big screen.
It was a night to remember, and one that undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the club’s youngest stars.
The British and Irish Lions only travel to Australia once every 12 years, with the squad currently on tour playing the likes of the Wallabies, Waratahs, Brumbies, Argentina.
The Start of the Australian leg of their tour saw the Western Force trounced by the Lions 7-54, the Reds were defeated by the visiting squad 12-52 on July 2 then the side took out the Waratahs 10-21 only a couple of days later, it was a little closer in their game against the Brumbies who put up a good fight but ultimately were out performed by the Lions 24-36, the AUNZ Invitational last Saturday saw the Lions the winners 0-48.
This weekend the Lions will be facing off against the Wallabies on Saturday at 8pm before the squad takes on First Nationas and Pasifika XV on Tuesday and then backs up against the Wallabies on Saturday July 26 and Saturday August 2.
If you aren't one of the lucky locals to get tickets to any of the matches, all games can be watched on Stan Sport and Channel 9.
