21 January 2019

Vikings Group working with the Brumbies to connect with rugby’s grassroots

| Tim Gavel
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Henry Speight is a popular figure at Brumbies matches. File Photo.

Consensus is often hard to find in sport, especially when it comes to rugby. However, one thing most agree on is the need for the Wallabies and Super Rugby teams to reconnect with the grassroots of rugby. The Vikings Group and the Brumbies have joined together to do what they can to put this into practice.

The Brumbies will host their opening trial of this pre-season against the Melbourne Rebels at Viking Park on Saturday 26 January. Gates open at 5:30 pm with kick-off set for 6:30 pm. The game will be played over three periods of 30 minutes. The trial will provide the opportunity to work on combinations and provide playing time for the majority of the squad.

Just as importantly, it’s a chance for Brumbies’ fans to get closer to the team.

Anthony Hill is the CEO of the Vikings Group and he and his organisation are doing whatever they can to promote, not just this game, but also the code in general. “Rugby is at the heart of what we do,” he says.

With this in mind, the Vikings Group and the Brumbies have worked to eliminate one of the barriers to families attending major sporting events; the cost.

“When the Brumbies approached us we were keen to work with them to bring rugby back to the grassroots. By making entry to the game free we can attract families to the game,” Mr Hill said.

Not only is entry free, but the access to the players will also be second to none with the crowd allowed onto the ground after the game to mingle with both teams. Anthony says he knows from experience with his own four children, including two rugby-mad boys, how important this contact can be.

To ensure it is a total family experience on Australia Day, there will be activities throughout the day, including thong throwing. There will also be jumping castles and a cool-down zone.

No Brumbies game would be complete without Brumby Jack. The sight of the mascot being chased by a hundred kids is a highlight.

For many, this is what rugby is all about. The DNA of the Vikings Group is rugby. They are committed to ensuring the code remains viable in the Canberra Region and the Vikings Group is one of the few clubs with the resources to do so.

Congratulations to the Vikings and the Brumbies for bringing the Super Rugby trial game back to the grassroots.

Vikings Group are offering five patrons $50 vouchers, redeemable for the day of the trial.

If you’d like to win one of five vouchers, tell us below who your favourite Canberran to play for the Brumbies is.

Enter your comment on the RiotACT site (not social media) and we’ll pick five winners and contact you via email by 4 pm on Thursday, 24 January.

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Nikita Urum-Oresi8:09 am 24 Jan 19

Henry Speight baby all day everyday!!!! May not be an Aussie boy but that flying Fijian can play better footy then some I know.

There are so many, but Joe Roff is my pic of the bunch. Brumbies and Vikings great.

My young rugby mad boys love watching Joe Powell knowing that he is a local boy and that one day they might be able to play for the Brumbies as well.

George Gregan

Danielle Sweetman11:02 pm 22 Jan 19

Steve Larkham for his soft hands, loping gait, support lines.

George Gregan. Bloody legend.

Ben Alexander is our favourite Canberran to play for the Brumbies. Our budding Brumbies have sat on the sidelines when he’s played for Brumbies & Uni-Norths. And after years on the rugby paddock Master 17 was excited to compete against him in last weekends Kowen Forest Trail Run #brumbiesfamily

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