Reds Rugby Rules Premier Club Showcase #1: Sunnybank Rugby Club

This week, I’ve decided to mix things up at Reds Rugby Rules! Don’t worry, I will still be interviewing your favourite Reds players throughout the rest of 2018! But as well as that, I’ll be profiling some of the great Premier clubs around Brisbane!

For our first Premier club showcase, I spent some time at Sunnybank Rugby Club. A huge thanks to Kirby Sefo, for saying yes to hosting me and showing me around the place.

There was a high school rugby carnival happening during my visit. Certainly, the grounds and club areas are used by many different community groups throughout the year!

Liam Gill, Former Queensland Red (and Wallaby)

There’s a display next to the Old Mac Oval (their main rugby ground) with a few Australian and Queensland representatives from Sunnybank, featuring Digby Ioane, Amy Turner and Liam Gill. Other notable representatives from the club include David Giffin, Rob Simmons, Ben Tapuai and current Queensland Red Ben Lucas!

Digby Ioane is a Sunnybank product

There are some great facilities at Sunnybank, including the team gym.

Also, the food and service at the clubhouse is outstanding!

I did take the opportunity to talk to Kirby about the recent Queensland “Super W” campaign. However, this week is all about Sunnybank club… I’m hoping to make it to a mens or womens game as soon as possible!

Hey Kirby, Thanks for being a part of the first ever Reds Rugby Rules Premier Club showcase!

You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.

First of all... How are you?

I’m good thanks. Lucky to be doing the first one, how special!

The first Sunnybank game of the season was last night! How are you feeling afterwards?

I’m feeling quite good actually, because I was injured [after Super W]. I’ve done my ACL joint, I’ll probably come in after week 4. But I think the girls will be pretty sore today, Brothers are quite a physical team, so there were some massive hits last night. The team was a bit sore coming off the field.

Congrats on the win!

Thanks! Yeah big win for Sunnybank. We are lucky, because we have got numbers, so we can get fresh legs on and give everyone a run. We have a bit of an advantage there. It was a good first hit out for the season and nice to get a win.

I made it to this club last night, not knowing the game had moved to Brothers at the last minute (because of the carnival). I say that not to make anyone feel bad, but to show that you and the other clubs have my support and the support of this blog!

Yeah I did see the Instagram photo of you here last night. I’m sorry about that!

It’s all good. I’m enjoying watching club rugby more and more these days. Can we talk about Super W for a little bit though.

Yeah for sure.

How did your team feel about Queensland's first ever Super W campaign?

Amy Turner, Sunnybank Wallaroo legend,
on the wall of the Old Mac Oval

I think there’s mixed emotions, because obviously we didn’t win. Everyone was gutted after the final. But there was also a lot of pride, because it was the first they’ve had - the inaugural Super W grand final and it was really special to be a part of that. There were a lot of pride and a lot of tears, but the overall feeling was quite positive.

And a little bit of relief that it’s over too, because it’s been a full-on few months. It’s a short comp, but it was two or three months building up to it. It’s kind of nice just to come back to club level.

It was such a tough loss in the final. You and the team fought so hard. It could have gone either way, it was worth making the trip to Sydney and I was really proud. I'll be supporting you again next year.

I don’t know how Gracie will feel about that. But that’s ok, we’ll deal with that later. We did really love your support though. It’s quite nice for the the girls, they got used to seeing you at training. You’re very much a part of the team I’d say.

Is it true that Sunnybank had more players in the Queensland Women's team than any other club?

Yeah we did. I think we started off with 12 or 14 in the squad, almost the whole 15. The squad was 30 though. In the final we had 10 I think. It was really good for our club and really good for our club coach. I guess it just locks in that what we’re doing for girls at Sunnybank works.

You shared in our very first interview how much you love Sunnybank. What's your favourite thing about this club?

Yeah I really do love being a part of this club. It’s the only rugby club I’ve been a part of, so I don’t actually have anything to compare it to. Being a female in a male dominated sport, I guess it could be quite daunting. But the men are really supportive of us, on the field and off the field. Over the years, everybody’s become like a family. They really do look out for us, and it’s the same for everyone. The staff are really supportive, my boss is really supportive and understanding of what I do. And now, I'm involved a lot more with the junior club, which I love too. It’s quite a tight community around here which is very comforting.

It’s nice to see other peoples successes as well, and be a part of that.

Thanks Kirby for taking time to catch up. Good luck to you and your team this season! Go Sunnybank!

Good job! Thanks for coming all the way out here! We’ll have to look out for you in your supporters jersey.

Making it Count: Catching up with Reds Scrumhalf Moses Sorovi

 Today I got to catch up with Moses Sorovi - someone who rose to the Reds last year. After playing well over the weekend in our teams game against the Chiefs, Moses took time out to share about his rugby journey, all the way from the Torres Straight Islands through to the Queensland Reds. Softly spoken and always a gentleman, I enjoyed catching up with him.

All the best to the Reds, playing another home game this week against the Lions! I’ll be there, in my usual spot.

Hey Moses, how's the week of training going?

Yeah it’s been pretty good! We’ve prepared pretty well for this weekends game. The boys are looking good for the weekend. Hopefully we’ll get the W.

Tough loss over the weekend. How are you feeling now?

It was a tough loss, but there’s so many positives that can be brought out of that game for this weekend, things to improve. It’s always tough losing, but I’m definitely looking forward to this weekend.

I was there cheering you guys on. Keep putting in the work and I'll see you again this Saturday.

For those that don't know, can you tell us about your journey, all the way from Thursday Island to Brisbane?

I moved from Thursday Island, from a little island called Yam Island, to Brisbane. I went to school at Saint Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly and played my first rugby there.

My family came down, along with my two older brothers and we moved to go to Saint Peters. We were there from Grade 8 through to Grade 12. I pretty much learnt how to play Rugby there and I’m still learning. There’s always more to learn.

I went through all the rugby programs, from Juniors, Junior Golds, National Golds and all the way to Under-20s and then to the Reds.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Not professional, but just social. Basketball, Volleyball, Touch [Rugby], with my family and friends back home… They’re pretty much the main sports over there.

What's the thing you love most about Rugby?

Pretty much just getting around the boys, coming in for training sessions, just being around them and playing with them. I enjoy that. Not everyone gets to do that and be in my shoes. I’m making the most of it.

What are your favourite things to do, when you're not playing rugby?

I like to relax at home and get by mind away from rugby by playing Playstation - I play Fortnite with my mates on my days off.

Thanks Moses - it's great we got to catch up, finally. Again, will see you on Saturday!

Thank you!

Jet-setting to Super W in Sydney

As I write this blog, I’m at the airport heading back to Brisbane from Sydney. (Yes, the Reds are playing the Chiefs tonight (the work of a rugby blogger never ends) but the big event we’ve just witnessed in Sydney was of course…. the first ever Super W Final - between none other than Queensland and New South Wales.

What a game it was. So close. So exciting. New South came away with the win in the end… in overtime. I am extremely proud of our Queensland girls. They left everything on the field… and I mean everything.

I’m also have to give an extra special mention to my cousin Grace. In case you didn’t know, I have a family member who plays for New South Wales. I would say I’m proud, but that word doesn’t really do it justice. And if you’re reading Grace… you’re a star. It’s all love and support from me to you. Just keep ignoring the title of this blog… whenever a post comes up in the future. The future looks bright for you - along with Women’s Rugby in Australia in general!

But back to the Super W final. Let’s just say the game was worth the trip. Thanks to a last minute Queensland penalty, the score was 13-13 at full-time. That brought the game to sudden-death overtime, for two five minute halves. RIGHT at the end of the second half…. Ash Hewson slotted a penalty to win the game for the Blues.

One constructive comment to help for next time - the doors of the stadium only opened at 4:30pm - and the final kick-off was at 4:45pm. I was lucky to be one of the first in... but it did mean that as the hype was building just before the match, not many people had even made it to their seats. In the scheme of things... this is not the biggest of issues though.

I agree with Michael Hayes... what a game it was!!! I’m excited to see where Super W goes in the future and look forward to supporting it even more through this blog!!!!

Special mention goes to Tiger Airways for taking great care of me. Their great service on the trip made things even more enjoyable.

A Conversation with Alex Hargreaves

In less than 24 hours, Queensland and New South Wales will be battling it out in the first ever Buildcorp Super W grand-final - 4:45pm on Fox Sports.

Alexandra Hargreaves is one of the great players in our nation and luckily for us she has landed in Queensland in recent years! It was great to catch up and talk about her rugby journey and just what it means to her to be playing in the first Super W final. You'll love getting to know her, as you get ready for the big gane!

Enjoy!

Hey Alex, thanks for taking time. I hope training hasn't been too gruelling. How are you going this week?

I’m very excited. Mondays training - you didn’t make it did you. It was hard. We bashed each other, we had fitness, so that was really good. Tonight, we just polished off and now I just want to smash these Blues girls in two days and bring home the cup for you guys.

This is an exciting week, to say the least. What is your message to Queensland sports fans about this Friday?

The message to Queensland sports fans… basically, it’s on again. You know, we always have this New South Wales/Queensland “hatred” towards each other, it’s like going to war. I feel like we’re coming out of the trenches again and we’re battling the enemy… I feel like we’re going to get one over them, it’s our time. New South Wales has taken it home so many other times, you know, all the nationals. Finally, we have a squad that’s young, that’s really equipped to take on New South Wales. And they’ve got more heart, I feel. There’s something in the Reds Jersey that’s just got more heart to win, so hopefully we’ll be able to do that.

It's been a great year for Women's rugby. What's the highlight of the Super W season been for you?

I think the highlight for me personally has just actually been being brought into the squad. After getting the call up to be a part of this competition… I think I cried for about an hour. Just being a part of the inaugural Super Womens, it’s really exciting.

Hopefully I’ll be able to tell you a new exciting time, in about 48 hours.

You've been playing rugby since 2002, how do you feel Women's rugby has changed since then?

It’s changed a lot. I was a part of the women’s team, when we won the inaugural 2009 World Cup in Dubai. To see where Sevens has gone since then… I feel like I’m a part of history again since then. I’m so excited - if Sevens has gone there, the skies the limit for XVs. So women’s rugby is forging ahead - as all women’s sports are really. It’s fantastic to see the support from everyone and moving forward, this is only going to get bigger and better.

You've been working as an assistant coach in Sydney. How long have you been coaching for?

That’s a funny story actually. I tried to coach and every time, the coach kept playing me. I’d start as an assistant coach and then I’d get pulled out as a number 8 or a number 7. I think I tried coaching for three years and ended up playing the year out. I did one and a half years of actual coaching, but did more as a player/coach.

How did you end up playing in Queensland this year? You did retire in 2012 for a little while I read...

I did. So I retired from international Rugby in 2012. I kept playing club and then I moved up to Queensland last year in March, 2017. I was playing AFL and I felt like a piece of me was missing. I literally texted Shirley who’s the forwards coach here and said “I’m really interested if you have a spot”. Mike allowed me to come down and train and that’s how I fell back into the game that I love… and I guess the game that they play in heaven. I haven’t stopped smiling since.

I'd love to hear about the beginning of your rugby journey.

So my rugby journey actually started in 1999. I was a gap student over in England over in a school in Richmond, which is in Surrey, just outside of London. I was a touch football and hockey player looking for a team to join. I went to the bathroom in a rugby club and this little old Scottish lady came out and said “you look like you could play rugby, do you want to have a crack?” And the rest is history.

I pulled on the boots and moved back to Sydney in 2000 and continue to play and started playing for the Aussie team in 2002, for XVs. It was a fantastic journey. I met my best friends, all around the world now from this sport. That’s how I started.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far in your career?

Probably winning the 2009 World Cup over in Dubai, for the Sevens. I did that with some of my best friends still today. It was a surreal feeling. One that for now Facebook things are popping up… you know “9 years later”, the memories are popping up. 

You work so hard. We didn’t have financial support, at all. We had to train ourselves and do weight sessions by ourselves and come together as, you know, Sydney teams, Canberra teams and do ball skills. So for us to be able to overcome the New Zealand and the England team, who were paid at the time, that was a massive achievement. Because we were the underdogs and we really did have that Aussie fight. That’s probably my proudest moment in rugby.

You've played both Rugby Union and League. What made you stay with Rugby Union?

For me, Rugby Union, I think is more suited to my style of play. The pilfering is probably my strength and in Rugby League you don’t pilfer. And also, I prefer to not stand ten meters from someone I’m about to tackle, I like to stand a bit closer. So it’s less taxing on the body. I’m old now, so I’m definitely glad I went with Rugby Union over Rugby League, because I can still play - I’m not broken. (Laughs)

What's some advice that you would give to young girls and boys aspiring to play the game?

For me, play because you love something. Whatever you choose to do in life, do it because you enjoy it. Don’t do it for financial gain, don’t do it for anything but the love. If you love something and you want to be something, you can achieve it. Whether it’s in sport, schooling, uni, politics, to just be the best at whatever you do.

I think rugby is a good environment, because it’s for every shape and size. There’s a real camraderie when you’re putting your body on the line for people and it builds up self-esteem too. So for parents out there, putting kids into rugby is fantastic, because it builds your mate-ship and self-esteem.

And finally... can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

I’m getting married next year! Not many people know that in the wider community. But also, I worked at the Royal Ballet school, in London, that feeds into the Royal Ballet school of England. I wasn’t a ballerina, but I worked there. A lot of my family and closest friends know that, but when people hear that they laugh, because they look at the size of me and try to figure out how I was working at a Royal Ballet school… but I was the PE teacher over there. 

Thanks Alex for your time. We are right behind you on Friday. See you in Sydney!

My pleasure. I can’t wait to see you and hopefully give you a sip out of the cup.

Catching up with Queenslander Lavinia Gould

What a week for Women's Rugby! This Friday is of course the final for the first ever Super W competition and the Queensland Women's XV are up against New South Wales!

In the middle of a busy week of training, I was lucky to catch up with Lavinia Gould. A very experienced player, Lavinia has normally played at number 10 this year, but has been moved to the side of the scrum (number 7) for Friday's game, as I found out tonight.

I hope you enjoy reading our interview as much as I enjoyed talking with her! Be sure to tune into the final this Friday, at 4:45pm on Fox Sports.

Hi Lavinia, first of all, congratulations to you and all of the team for making it to the final of the first ever Buildcorp Super W competition!

Thank you very much!

Are you excited? Because I sure am.

Extremely excited. It feels like a long time coming. I’ve been playing the sport for a long time and this will be an awesome highlight. So, extremely excited.

What's been your favourite thing about the Super W season this year?

I think just being the first women’s team to start the competition and having the opportunity to be a part of it. That’s where it’s at for me.

How have you been enjoying playing #10 for the Queensland team?

Number 10 - it’s obviously a hard position, doing lots of organising and you’ve just got to be game ready. Not that any other position isn’t, but you’ve got to be focused for 80 minutes. So it’s been really challenging but I hope I’ve stepped up to and done a good job of. It’s been really exciting playing back at 10.

Is it your preferred position?

Um - I’ve played a lot at 10, I don’t know if it’s my preferred position. Obviously, if I’m a back, 10 is it for me. But I do love the rough stuff and I love playing at 7 as well, which I’ll get an opportunity this weekend to play at on Friday. So I’m extremely excited to play this game.

You've played rugby in New Zealand and Australia. What was it that brought you over here? We love having you here.

It’s been a life-changing experience being an Aussie. I’ve been over here for 8 years, but I did spend the last 2 back in New Zealand with the NZ Sevens team. But it’s just a different culture, different rugby culture, totally different game actually. So it’s been a pleasure playing both and an absolute pleasure playing in Australia aswell.

You played Sevens in New Zealand for many years, your team even won the Oceania Women's Sevens competition. How did you find that experience?

Sevens - I started playing XVs initially and then went straight into Sevens. I’ve played both for a very long time in New Zealand. I equally love Sevens and XVs. Again, two totally different games. I call XVs “real rugby” to be honest, but you obviously get so much space in Sevens, it’s so much quicker, shorter and you can just go for gold.

What was it that got you into rugby originally?

I moved out of the town that I grew up in - I grew up playing soccer, so I played at quite a high level. When I left school, I moved cities and basically it was somewhere to go to meet people. And honestly, from the first training and the first game, I was hooked. I hung up my soccer boots and I haven’t stopped playing since.

I support that decision. What’s some advice that you would give to young girls and boys aspiring to play the game?

Just give it a crack and you’ll absolutely love it, as we all have. Whether it’s just for fun, whether it’s social, or whether you want to take it as far as you can, just give it a crack and don’t look back.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Um, I have a twin sister! She also played a bit of rugby, for three years aswell. And I have two beautiful girls who I absolutely adore and love. Hopefully one day I’ll see them on the rugby pitch too!

Thank you so much for your time. I know it's an exciting and busy week for you. All the best on Friday. I look forward to cheering from the sidelines in Sydney.

We absolutely appreciate what you give to us Tom. You’ve given your time. Obviously you’re a rugby enthusiast and we absolutely love that and we thrive on it to be honest. So thank you and we appreciate you.

A Conversation with Queensland Winger Ivania Wong

It was fun catching up with Ivania Wong this week. Ivania is one of the great up-and-comers in the Queensland Women’s XV, a team that is heading for the Super W final next Friday against New South Wales!

[Tune into Fox Sports at 4:45pm, on Friday 20th, or join me at Allianz Stadium in Sydney! It’ll be a great game, before the post-match entertainment that will feature the Waratahs and the Lions.]

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed chatting with her! For a player so talented, you won’t believe how long she’s actually been playing rugby for…

Hi Ivania, Nice to chat! Thanks for taking time for an interview. I know your team is busy training hard.

How are you feeling this week? I hope you did get too sick, along with the rest of the team.

I’m feeling alright. It’s pretty exciting, with the build up and stuff, so I’m pumped for it. We’re doing pretty good. We’ve got three trainings left after tonight, so we’re excited to keep building.

A huge congratulations on the win over in Perth. You must have been proud of the teams effort.

Thanks! Yeah it was a pretty close game. What topped that win off was how we fought and played as one to get that final score at the end that would put us through to the final.

You and the team have done so well. We are really proud of you and your efforts so far. I'm cheering you on, all the way to the final!

Thank you. Hopefully we can bring the trophy home with us. 

As a part of the Super W competition, you are a part of history for Queensland and Australian sport. How does that feel?

It’s a pretty big thing to be a part of this. This is my third year playing, so to be a part of Super W is something that for women’s rugby, it’s pretty unreal.

Besides making the finals, what's been a highlight of the season so far?

I think it’s just being a part of something so big. It’s something that everyones getting pumped for, it’s not just us getting excited for it.

I'd like to hear about your rugby journey. You came from Papa New Guinea - what brought you to Australia?

I moved here because Dad moved here. I wasn’t really a fan of Rugby Union, I was more of a “Leaguey”. But then, one of my mates decided to invite me to training, I went to Sunnybank and ever since that first training I just loved it. I’m in my third year playing now.

How old were you when you started playing rugby?

I was 18, I’m 21 this year.

What's your favourite thing about the game of rugby?

You get to meet a lot of people that end up being your mates, some of your best mates.

What are your personal goals, rugby or otherwise?

Umm I’d love to play for the Wallaroos, I’ve never really thought of it, but I’m starting to have that in mind. Hopefully I’ll go down that path.

What would your message be to Queensland rugby fans, looking to the finals?

Coming from my first game, I think that was a big game for us, and the excitement level was there. It’s a pretty big thing and everyone should be excited for it. It’ll be a big game!

Thanks Ivania for your time. See you in Sydney!

Thank you!

Sitting Down with Sammie Treherne

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Queensland Fullback Sammie Treherne. As one of the stars in the Queensland Womens XV, she helped secure the team a place in the finals next Friday. In their last round game, they came back from a half time deficit to win 32-30 against the Western Force… thanks to an amazing team effort, which included three tries from Sammie!

A real character on and off the field, Sammie is definitely a player to look out for, next Friday and into the future. It was great to catch up and hear her talk about the game she loves most.

[Finals news: Queensland will be playing New South Wales in the (first ever) Super W final on Friday April 20th. Make sure you tune into Fox Sports and watch! I’ll be watching from the stands in Sydney… ;-) ]

Hey Sammie, Thanks for taking the time to chat! I was sad to hear some of the team have been unwell. How are you and the team this week?

I’m ok! Some of the girls, I think they’re recovering. They had a good break over the week. It was good for us to have that time off, and we’ve all come back fresh so far. There were a couple of niggles, but nothing too serious.

Congrats on the teams last win in Perth! That was an exciting game for sure, I enjoyed watching.

Yes it was a close game. It was a nerve-racking game on the field. All of the girls they just didn’t want to loose, they didn’t want to go down at half time.

How did it feel securing a spot in the finals?

The first the Super W final! It feels good to say that it’s Queensland and New South Wales. 

You played extremely well - well done on scoring three tries!

Thank you.

How has training been going, in the lead up to the final on the 20th April?

I think tonight was our first training with our head coach. On Monday we came together and had a lot of contact, just to blow off the cobwebs, after having the whole week off to recover last week. We had a good hit-out, we were all focused and we’ve improved from our trainings from round one to this round. So I’m looking forward to going to the finals.

I love hearing people's rugby journey. How did you end up playing the game?

My family are a huge rugby family, my Mum and Dad met through rugby. I just grew up watching rugby in Melbourne. I started playing when I was 18, and then went through the Rebels and then the Aussie Sevens squad. I wasn’t getting very far with everything down there, so I made the move to Queensland. And ever since I moved here, which was in 2016, it’s just grown since then.

What do you love most about rugby?

Probably just being around the girls. It’s such a great sport. Girls just always get around each other. When ever I’m having a bad day, I love coming to training and seeing all the girls. Especially the Queensland Reds. They’re all driven, they’re all motivating and they’re always there for you. And also the feeling of winning I guess.

What do you love most about playing for Queensland?

Just the girls. They always get around each other, they’re always so supportive. It’s always good at training. They always go hard against each other, but we’ve always got each others backs on the field. It’s good to have that feeling. We always trust our team mates up here.

What are some things you love to do, besides rugby?

Hmmm. I don’t know! It’s really all I’ve got! (Laughs) I like to go out and eat. If you’re going to have down time, it’s probably good… I’ve been working full-time and then training, doing that morning and night…

I like camping as well, going somewhere quiet. They’re my two main things. Eating and camping.

Thanks Sammie for your time. See you in Sydney!

Are you gonna be in Sydney?

I'll be there!

Yeah, cool! That’s alright. Thank you for interviewing me!