You may think that slopping paint on a half-naked university student’s torso is a questionable Saturday evening activity, but as card-carrying member of the rUCkus crew, I take this responsibility very seriously.
This crew that I’m a part of, you see, is a group of University of Canberra students who support the Brumbies at every home game.
Ordinarily, members of the group fill out the South Bowl of GIO Stadium with our trademark yellow t-shirts and onesies. However, the most dedicated of the bunch ditch their duds in favour of blue and yellow body paint spelling out the word “Brumbies”. These dudes are known as the Barebacks. And I, my friends, am equal parts proud and ashamed to admit that I sometimes get the honour of painting these rugged man-boys at the traditional pre-game BBQs held on campus at the Uni of Canberra.
Being the professional that I am, I have no problem swiping a paintbrush under hairy armpits, into bellybuttons and over nipple piercings without batting an eyelid. But let’s be honest, the true heroes here are the guys who week in, week out, disregard common sense and grit their teeth against the biting temperatures to show their dedication to their team.
Check out the video below as the boys prepare for tonight’s qualifier match alongside the Brumbies. Barebacks coach Dave McCarthy talks us through the art of orchestrating the perfect Mexican wave, while captain “Crutch” discusses the grueling diet and exercise regimen required to maintain a solid rig.
Brumbies and Barebacks prepare for clash against the Chiefs from Ewan Gilbert on Vimeo.
And on a more serious note, remember that the Brumbies have pledged $20,000 to Hands Across Canberra if 20,000 fans come out to watch them take on the Chiefs tonight. So get into the spirit and support a good cause by getting along to the game!
When: 7.40pm, Saturday 19 July 2014
Where: GIO Stadium Canberra
Tickets: Available for purchase from ticketek
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