- Story courtesy NSW Rugby Media
The NSW Waratahs will kick off 2019 against the Highlanders in New Zealand’s Central Otago region followed by a trip to Goulburn against the Brumbies ahead of a bumper Super Rugby season.
The Brumbies have been the chief organisers of the match in conjunction with Goulburn Mulwaree Council, who are financially supporting the event, and the Goulburn Rugby Club.
The choice of Goulburn as a venue is particularly apt. Goulburn is the oldest country club in NSW (and Australia for that matter) and was one of the founding members of the original NSW Rugby. And as Goulburn now plays in a Brumbies feeder competition, the club straddles both unions.
NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said the match against the Highlanders was an extension of a reciprocal arrangement between the two organisations and the deal with the Brumbies is for 2019.
“The agreement with the Kiwis will see the NSW Waratahs play on a home and away basis, which means in 2020 the Highlanders will come here. The Brumbies deal is for 2019 but we are working on a reciprocal agreement that will see the NSW Waratahs play in another country town in 2020. These are two quality sides so we are guaranteed excellent rugby,” Hore said.
NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said pre-season matches were valuable.
“The importance of these games cannot be underestimated as it is an opportunity for us to test certain combinations while also giving our younger players the chance to play in high intensity matches,” Gibson said.
The NSW Waratahs start the Super Rugby season against the Hurricanes on 16 February.
Brumbies to play Waratahs and Rebels in Trials
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MAY 12: Rory Arnold of the Brumbies looks to offload during the round 12 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Rebels at GIO Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
- Story courtesy Brumbies Media
The Plus500 Brumbies will start their 2019 Super Rugby season with a brace of friendly matches when they meet the Rebels in Canberra and the Waratahs in Goulburn early next year.
Pre-season will kick-start in earnest on Saturday 26 January when the Rebels arrive in Canberra to meet the Brumbies at Viking Park before the team travels to Goulburn to tackle old foes the Waratahs at the Goulburn Workers Arena on Thursday 7 February.
Admission to both trial matches will be free for Plu500 Brumbies Members whilst Waratahs Members will also be able to access the Goulburn fixture for free. Brumbies and Waratahs members will just need to show their membership tickets at the gate to gain their complimentary admission to this fixture.
Meanwhile, the scheduled game against the Rebels will be free entry for everyone as part of the club’s Australia Day celebrations.
Both opponents are no stranger to the Brumbies in pre-season with the Rebels providing the opposition for a thrilling match played at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan last year whilst the Brumbies met the Waratahs in Mudgee during pre-season for the 2017 campaign.
The Brumbies begin their Super Rugby season on Friday 15 February 2019 with the Rebels the visitors to GIO Stadium in Canberra. Memberships for the season are on sale now with a range of options to suit all budgets. Visit www.brumbies.com.au/membership for more information.
PRE-SEASON DETAILS
Saturday 26 January
Plus500 Brumbies v Rebels
(Viking Park, Canberra, kick-off TBC)
ADMISSION: Free
Thursday 7 February
Plus500 Brumbies v Waratahs
(Goulburn Workers Area, Goulburn, kick-off TBC)
ADMISSION: Free for Brumbies and Waratahs Members, further ticket pricing to be determined.
