WHILE they might not have the bright lights of Paris or the Hollywood mansions of America, the Condamine Rugby Union Club is hoping to attract school leavers to the town with a unique gap year opportunity.
Under a new initiative known as the Work and Rugby Experience (WARE) program, high school graduates can spend a minimum of six months playing for the Condamine Cods while also working in agricultural production or industries.
Students from Toowoomba Grammar and Brisbane Boys College have already shown interest in the program.
Club President Doug McNicholl said backpackers in the region often joined the club while completing agricultural work and the Cods wanted to expand on that idea.
“We are trying to put on a program for those kids who want to take that year out or 18 months out before going to uni...to give them exposure to agriculture in case they want to pursue that and play rugby,” he said.
“It’s a rugby development and community development program. It’s a no brainer
“We are not looking for a whole swag full, we are happy to have just a small number to start with because we want to manage expectations.
“If we attract a few young guys into the community then happy days, that means older fellas like me don’t have to keep playing.”
The Cods preseason begins in early February with the team running out for their first round match on March 25.
Mr McNicholl said the club would use its network of local supporters who had various businesses to provide employment opportunities for exchange applicants.
“Ultimately the key difference for us and for a lot of sporting clubs is we are really trying to think of initiatives that build culture in the community and builds a healthy club,” he said.
“Ultimately that leads to success on the field.
“We have been there or there abouts for the last few years.
“If we could just pick up one or two young guys who are talented footy players and want to have a future in ag, then that would be great.”
The club has also launched a new ladies sevens team which has proven popular after Australia’s Olympic gold medal performance last year.
“Within a week of announcing it 16 girls have stuck their hand up and we only need 12 for a sevens team,” Mr McNicholl said.
“We are trying to figure out if that will be a permanent thing.”
Graduates interested in the WARE program can contact Cods President Doug McNicholl on 0439 275 794 or codsrugbyclub@gmail.com.
Lucy Kinbacher
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
