ACT Brumbies To Face NSW Waratahs In Griffith

The Brumbies will face the NSW Waratahs as part of a pre-season double-header and community activities in Griffith thanks to Round Two of the Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF).

Nationals Candidate for Murray, Peta Betts welcomed the major win for the Griffith community.

“Hosting this event will bring in visitors, dining in local pubs and restaurants, staying overnight, visiting shops and exploring all the attractions Griffith has to offer,” Ms Betts said.

Duty MLC for Murray, Wes Fang said $223,616 for ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union would allow the Super Rugby Trial and a match involving the Brumbies women’s team to take place here in Griffith from February 1 to 5.

“This event will continue to put Griffith on the map as a destination hotspot for sporting fans,” Mr Fang said.

“This funding builds on the $1.572 million injected into the Murray electorate through two rounds of REAF, delivering eight iconic projects like the Play on the Plains Festival and the Deni Ute Muster.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said the REAF supported the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.

“Regional communities like Griffith are the breeding ground for many of our national sporting stars, so investments l ike this support our next generation or talent,” Mr Toole said.

“The fund has already supported more than 100 events and attracted an estimated one million visitors to the regions.

“Helping organisers host world-class events in their own backyard showcases our great regional towns to national and international audiences.”

Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said the funding had played a pivotal role in allowing the club to connect with its regional community whilst also putting on elite rugby matches.

“It’s been three years since we’ve been able to bring trial games to regional NSW due to COVID and we’re thrilled to be in the position to now do so again with the support of the NSW Government,” Mr Thomson said.

“We are really excited to genuinely connect with our community in Griffith and the surrounding regions by hosting a top-class men’s and women’s double-header and the chance for the players to engage with the local community.

“We care deeply about growing the game of rugby in our region so to be able to engage with people in the region’s schools, rugby clubs and the broader community is what we’re most looking forward to.”

• Topics:

• Rugby Union