The NSW Waratahs have confirmed they are taking a pre-season trial match against the Brumbies to the Southern Highlands, with the Bowral Blacks Rugby Club set host the event on Saturday 29 January.
It will be the first time the Waratahs have played a fixture of any kind in Bowral, after their pre-season match last year against the Brumbies was cancelled due to COVID.
The match day coincides with Bowral Rugby Club’s 50th year anniversary and will also feature the reigning Super W Championship winning Waratahs women’s side who will split into two teams to play a city v country origin match as a curtain raiser.
NSW Rugby CEO, Paul Doorn said it was exciting to see top-flight rugby in the Bowral for the first time.
“We are delighted to head to Bowral to face the Brumbies in what will be one of the last opportunities for Darren Coleman and his side to fine tune their game ahead of their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign,” Doorn said.
“Hosting a pre-season match in Bowral provides us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with the passionate and engaged rugby community in the Southern Highlands and to bring a game of this quality against one of our fiercest rivals to their doorstop is something we’re really excited about.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the support we’ve received from the Brumbies and Bowral Rugby Club in making this trial match possible.”
Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: "We're thrilled to be part of what will to be a great day for rugby in the Southern Highlands.”
"We were disappointed to not be able to play the game in Bowral last year so to play our part in bringing a game of this quality to a region which is passionate about rugby is great.
"Hopefully, fans from Canberra and Sydney and all those in our region can come together to enjoy the day and build towards the Super Rugby Pacific season."
Bowral Blacks Rugby Club President, Mark Freund said: “All of us at the Bowral Blacks are proud to host this opening pre-season game that will launch our 50th year celebrations as a rugby club.
“We can’t thank both the Waratahs and the Brumbies enough for recognising the Southern Highlands as a true country rugby region by choosing our field to host their pre-season match up.
“The opportunity to see Super Rugby close up at our own field is not only a positive way to kick off our 2022 season, but to also help the greater community with an influx of tourist dollars from those travelling to see their favourite teams play.
“The past few years have been tough for many local businesses and for the community as a whole and an event like this will hopefully help to bring a shining light back onto the events in our region”
Further details on the trial and surrounding events will be confirmed in the New Year.
Fixture details:
Saturday 29 January
NSW Waratahs Women – City v Country Origin Kick-off: 3:30pm
NSW Waratahs v Brumbies Kick-off: 5:30pm Bowral Blacks Rugby Club
**Ticket details will be available shortly via Bowral Rugby Club**
