Rockhampton Grammar School rugby players were out in force this week, having the opportunity to train in front of Western Force Super Rugby club representatives.
Western Force visitors Chris Goodman (General Manager of Rugby), Jeremy Thrush (Academy Head Coach), and Damian Steele (Academy Manager) attended a boys and girls training session at RGS on Thursday afternoon followed by dropping into a gym session at RGS on the Friday morning.
The visit also provided an opportunity to meet with RGS staff and gain an oversight of the RGS sports facilities.
Chris Goodman said the club and the school had been in talks about possible relationships being established around coach and player development.
“We’re an AFL state in WA, so any chance we get to come to a rugby school and try and cement some relationships, that strengthens our pathways and provides opportunities for young males and females as well,’’ Goodman said.
Goodman said at this stage is was all about observing and connecting with people.
“The visit is about coming over here and hearing about the programme, and hearing more about what RGS is doing with rugby is interesting to us,’’ Goodman said.
“Also, this hopefully helps with forming some relationships with schools for potential tours to strengthen Perth school rugby as well, via potential games.”
Goodman said the “big picture” was that country kids were hard workers.
“I think RGS has some diamonds in the rough here. The big picture is giving males and females an opportunity to play professionally. At the moment, it’s just getting to know each other and see how this relationship can work.”
The connection could present opportunities for potential exchanges and RGS visiting the Western Force headquarters.
RGS welcomed the visitors from Western Force, who have demonstrated an authentic commitment to regional rugby development.
