Tag: rugby union

National Under-16s Squad Welcomes Brisbane Boys’ College Duo

Brisbane Boys’ College has further cemented its reputation in Queensland rugby, with two standout players earning spots in the prestigious Australian under-16s squad.

Outside centre Taione Taka and prop Harrison Asi will join six other Queensland players in the 25-man national squad assembling in Blacktown this December.

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Brisbane Boys’ College player profiles

Taione Taka’s selection follows a stellar season that saw him named Queensland Reds’ player of the series, despite a heart-breaking grand final loss to the Waratahs.

The talented centre has already secured his future, signing with the Reds Academy after impressing in both First XV and under-16s campaigns. His defensive prowess and attacking capabilities have marked him as one of Queensland’s most promising young talents.

Harrison Asi. Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby

Harrison Asi has earned his position through dominant performances in the front row. His scrummaging ability and effectiveness in pick-and-drive situations have caught the selectors’ attention, demonstrating BBC’s strength in developing forward talent.

Queensland’s strong representation

Alongside the duo, the full Queensland contingent in the national squad includes:
Agapetos Lote-Felo (no. 8)
Alfie Bowman (halfback)
Sio Kite (prop)
Jack Calleja (lock)
William Adrian De Klerk (hooker)
Hemi Rakuita (outside back)

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The squad will gather for a week-long camp beginning 7 December, culminating in a match against the New South Wales Waratahs under-17s. This opportunity represents a significant step forward for these young athletes, particularly for the BBC players who continue to uphold the school’s strong rugby tradition.

Published 13-November-2024

Wests Bulldogs to Clash with Souths and Brothers Finals at Ballymore Stadium

The Wests Bulldogs are gearing up for an action-packed day at Ballymore Stadium, where they will face off against the Souths Rugby Club and Brothers Rugby Club. The Colts One grand final against Souths will kick off at 12:45 p.m. on 1 September, followed by the highly anticipated Premier Grade grand final rematch against Brothers at 2:45 p.m. 

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Wests Bulldogs fell UQ in 2022 grand final rematch

In a hard-fought preliminary final, Wests emerged victorious with a 39-27 win over the University of Queensland. Despite facing an early 10-0 deficit, the Bulldogs turned the game around with a series of strategic plays and relentless pressure, eventually securing the victory.

Centre Lebron Naea was instrumental, delivering crucial defensive stops and contributing to key tries that shifted the momentum.

Wests’ lineup features several superstar players, including the dominant Wallabies backrower Seru Uru and the explosive Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu.

The team is further strengthened by key players such as Reds halfback Louis Werchon, along with Connor Anderson, Angelo Smith, Ethan Dobbins, and David Vaihu. Their experience at the highest level of Australian rugby adds significant depth to the Wests squad.

Premier Grade grand final rematch vs Brothers

This grand final marks Wests’ third consecutive appearance in the Hospital Cup decider—and a rematch of 2023. This time, they aim to reverse last year’s narrow 26-24 loss to Brothers.

Despite Brothers securing the minor premiership on points, Wests recorded more wins during the home-and-away season, with 12 victories compared to Brothers’ 11, making this matchup a proper clash of the titans.

Brothers’ roster includes notable Reds James O’Connor, Ryan Smith, and Dre Pakeho, setting the stage for a talent-laden grand final rematch.

Flyhalf Mason Gordon is confident in the team’s game plan, emphasising that, “After giving up that early lead to UQ, we regrouped and our focus was on defence and being big and physical.” Wests faithful hope that this approach will be their edge in Sunday’s final.

Colts One and 5th Grade grand finals

In addition to the Premier Grade final, Wests fans can also support their Colts One team in their match against returning finalists Souths Rugby. This clash, kicking off a few hours earlier than the main event, will be another highlight of the day as Wests look to accomplish the triple.

Before the Premier Grade and Colts One finals, the Wests 5th Grade team will also take on Brothers in the first of their Grand Final games on 31 August, 9:30 a.m.

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As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an enthralling conclusion to the Queensland Premier Rugby season.

Published 28-August-2024