QRU Media Release: St.George Queensland Reds announce trial game in Toowoomba against Blues
The St.George Queensland Reds will intensify their preparations for 2013 when they host three-time Super Rugby champions the Blues in their opening trial game of the year in Toowoomba on Saturday 2 February.
The match, to be played at The Toowoomba Sports Ground, is the first major Rugby Union fixture in Toowoomba since the Reds hosted the NSW Waratahs in 2009.
It has been awarded to the region in recognition of the continued growth and efforts being made by Downs Rugby to engage the community and promote the code.
Reds Members and Downs Rugby Members will receive a priority purchase opportunity to secure their seat for the trial match before general public sale commences on Monday 10 December at 9:00am (presale information below).
Tickets for the encounter can be secured through Ticketek here:
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=REDSBLUE13
St.George Queensland Reds v Blues Trial Match Ticketing Information and Prices
Reds Member Presale: 12:00pm Wednesday 5 December to 11:00am Friday 7 December
Downs Rugby Member Presale: 12:00pm Friday 7 December to 12:00am Sunday 9 December
General Public Sale: 9:00am Monday 10 December
Grandstand Adult: $50
Concourse Adult: $30
General Admission Adult: $25
General Admission Children (Ages 4-16): $15
General Admission Family Pass (Two Adults + Two Children): $70
*Children under four years of age are free
Reds Director of Coaching Ewen McKenzie and Darling Downs product Greg Holmes travelled to Toowoomba on Wednesday to announce the trial match against the Blues.
“There is a rich and growing Rugby tradition in Toowoomba where the locals really embrace the sport, so it’s pleasing to have an opportunity to bring the Reds to the community for our opening trial game of the year,” McKenzie said.
“The chance to bring Rugby to Toowoomba is something the entire squad is excited about and being the team’s first trial game of 2013 just adds to the occasion as it’s the players first chance to push for selection in round one.
“The fact that there is only a fortnight between our trial against the Blues and our first Super Rugby game against the Brumbies in Canberra just adds to the importance of putting in a strong performance.
“There is only a limited amount of time for each player to impress before the season kicks off so it’s crucial that we see the group execute what we’ve been working on during the preseason.”
Holmes, who attended Downlands College in Toowoomba, said he was excited to represent the Reds in the Darling Downs region.
“Rugby has always had a strong presence in the Toowoomba community and it’s good to know that the game is continuing to grow in the area,” Holmes said.
“You would expect by taking the Reds to Toowoomba that you will see another spike in popularity for Rugby and encourage more people to support and play the game.
“On a personal level, it’s going to be an exciting time returning to Toowoomba and playing for the Reds in what will be an extremely important match for the side before the Super Rugby season begins.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio praised the decision to take the Reds and Rugby to the region.
“Rugby Union has a strong foothold in Toowoomba and it’s great to see two elite teams in the Super Rugby competition will be playing here for a trial match, that’s very good news for our community,” Cr Antonio said.
“I think the community will really embrace the opportunity to see these footballers who are very skilled, apply their trade here within our region.
“When you think of Rugby Union, you think of the Grammar vs Downlands match which attracts huge crowds to the city each year.
“Sports Tourism is a sleeping giant in Toowoomba’s economy, and we’re thrilled to have attracted a match like this to the region.
“We’re glad the QRU have chosen Toowoomba for this match and would like to see more games played here in the future.”
Queensland Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the announcement was great news for south-west Queenslanders.
“The match will be a must-see for thousands of locals, and it’s wonderful that some of Queensland’s grassroots regional communities will have the chance to attend a major sporting event in their own backyard,” Mr Dickson said.
The match will be the first of two trial games played by the Reds in 2013 and will also see local Toowoomba players feature in an earlier curtain raiser.
Rugby in Toowoomba has grown significantly throughout 2012 and Queensland Rugby is expected to announce a participation increase of more than 30% to over 15,000 by the end of the year.
Queensland Rugby’s Forever Reds Membership packages have also proven a popular item for Reds supporters in the Darling Downs region with the non-ticketed $65 Membership option entitling supporters to a number of exciting benefits and the opportunity to be part of the Reds Army.
2013 will be a year to remember for Reds supporters with The British & Irish Lions to make their first tour to Australia in 12 years. As part of their tour, at least half of the Reds 35-man squad will get their first taste of Test-like Rugby in a historic Tour match against the visitors at Suncorp Stadium on June 8.
As well as that first encounter against the Lions since 2001, the Reds have been handed a great Super Rugby draw at Suncorp Stadium in 2013 which includes home games against Aussies rivals the NSW Waratahs, Western Force, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels, plus Ewen McKenzie’s men will take on New Zealand’s Hurricanes and Blues as well as South Africa’s Bulls and Sharks.
The Reds are now calling on their Rugby community to show “strength in numbers” in 2013 as they target a record-setting 40,000 members for next season.
All 2013 St.George Queensland Reds membership information can be found at a new membership website:
www.redsmembership.com.au.
ENDS
