AUSTRALIA and New Zealand have an old rivalry when it comes to rugby, and this rivalry starts young.
The Noosa Dolphins have established a tradition of supporting their under-15 rugby team as they travel to New Zealand to learn, play and compete with the closest overseas neighbours.
This year, 20 players, two coaches, and two managers fund-raised over $30,000 for their trip.
The under-15 New Zealand trip has become an important tradition to the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club because it offers the players a chance to step up and prove that they are now young men, capable of representing their club and community.
On the trip the players experience a different country, different culture, and different teams with different styles.
It’s not all serious business though, the players were also lucky enough to have a bit of leisure time to enjoy some of the sights and activities while they were away. Trips such as these are a very rare opportunity and the Noosa Dolphins certainly made the most of it, playing as hard as they could and taking the time to learn about the local culture, all the while packing in as much experience as they could.
Though these trips are a great opportunity they remain rare because without the generous sponsorships that the Dolphins received and the diligent fund-raising they each undertook, the trip would be very costly to the individuals. Sponsors like Tewantin Noosa RSL, who kindly donated $2000 to the team, make it possible for small clubs and teams such as the Noosa Dolphins under-15s to participate in such big opportunities.
Club supporters and parents are all looking forward to see the Dolphins put everything they’ve learned on their trip to good use.
