Dalby will play host to a once-in-a-lifetime event, in a perfect Christmas present surprise, as the Downs Rugby community is galvanised amid the worst drought in living memory.
On Friday January 24, Dalby & District Rugby Union Football Club has been chosen by Queensland Rugby Union to host the pre-season trial match between the St George Queensland Reds and the NSW Waratahs at Dalby Leagues Club.
The Super 15s trial match will feature both teams at full strength, one week out from their respective opening matches in their 2020 Super Rugby campaigns.
St George Queensland Reds land at Dalby on Wednesday January 22 to attend the Wheatmen Juniors sign-on from 4pm at John Ritter Oval and followed at 5pm with a clinic run by Queensland Reds.
Friday January 24 will also feature a Sportsman's Long Luncheon at the Dalby Events Centre (Showgrounds), at12:30pm for 1pm start.
Guest speakers include local World Cup winning former Wallabies Tim Horan AM and Garrick Morgan. Ben 'Dobbo' Dobbin and Jeremy Lewis (CEO, LJ Hooker Toowoomba) will MC the luncheon, which will feature signed Reds and Wallabies memorabilia with all proceeds donated to Rural Aid.
Open arrival, hot finger food, mingle and re-unite with friends, sit down for a three-course meal and a generous drinks package.
Later in the afternoon, complimentary bus transfer and entry to the match venue is included for $175 per person. This is a memorable event not to be missed. Tickets are limited and tables are already selling.
Tickets for the luncheon and entry to the match have been purposely made affordable in the midst of the drought, in a 'Rugby to the Bush' event, with adults only $15, children under 16 at $5, and a family of four (two adults/two kids) at $35 each. Tickets for luncheon and or match are available at the link on www.downsrugby.com.au.
In the curtain raiser matches, there is a showcase of girls' and women's 7s rugby. From 5pm the Under 15 Darling Downs youth girls' sevens development squad will play three 7-minute periods, and from 5.30pm the Under 17 youth girls' sevens development squad will also play three 7-minute periods as part of selections. At 6.15pm, in Open Women's Sevens, the Dalby Wheatchix play a Downs Rugby Barbarians side in an anticipated clash.
The St George Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs will be at full strength and will play a full match under lights from 7.30pm at Dalby Leagues Ground. Halftime features Under 11 Dalby Wheatmen v Goondiwindi Emus.
Thank you to the major stakeholders involved: Western Downs Regional Council for raising funds to cover the logistics and travel for the teams, Queensland Rugby Union, Dalby & District Rugby Union, and event sponsors O'Sheas Windsor Hotel Dalby, Sun Pork and Midfield Meats, LJ Hooker Toowoomba and Signs n Lines.
Bring on the first taste of Reds v Waratahs in our Downs Rugby area since 2009, and ensure that you purchase a ticket before Christmas as early next year maybe too late. Room nights are booking quickly.
