REDMEN SECURE INTERNATIONAL BLOCKBUSTER
RUGBY Union grassroots have been fertilised thanks to NSW Rugby and NSW Regional Manager Joey de Dassel.
The Grafton Redmen Club will host their first International Game on Saturday April 4 when the Japanese and Fijian Under 20s sides clash in what promises to be high-octane game of rugby.
As a prelude to the main game, the Australian Stockmen side will face-off against the Grafton Redmen, adding a local flavour to the day.
De Dassel, who has been an important cog in the inception of the Festival of Rugby held in Coffs Harbour last year, said the success in Coffs Harbour has culminated in expansion to other regional towns within the Mid North Coast Zone.
“We ran the Festival of Rugby in Coffs last year and we had Japan come out. They loved it and wanted to return “De Dassel said.
“The Fijian under-20s are visiting this year as well as the Australian Stockmen side and the Australian under 20s squad.
“The four teams will be competing over the week so there is a lot of content just to host it in Coffs Harbour” he added.
“I reached out to the Redmen Club so they, alongside Kempsey, get an opportunity to host games.
“We brought up the team manager from the Japanese side before Christmas to check out the Redmen ground and facilities. Eddie Jones was also here, and he signed off on it as well.”
The Grafton Redmen Club has focused on grassroots rugby and improving the ground facilities for the past three years which De Dassel admitted got the club over-the-line to host an international fixture.
“The new change rooms are a big plus as are the grants the club has received from the NSW Government,” he said.
“The overall club vibe is very strong especially with the juniors and seniors on the same page and combining to ensure the long-term success of the Club.
“Grafton has a strong rugby community and NSW Rugby want to support that.
“It’s very exciting and would be great to see the stands and the hill full.”
Redmen first grade coach Gary Powell has seen a lot of changes at the club since he first pulled on a Redmen jumper in 1990.
After hearing the news, he was ecstatic for the club, supporters and the local rugby community.
“It’s unbelievable. I don’ think the club has ever hosted an international game before,” Powell said.
“It’s a fantastic reward for the club after what we have achieved the past few years on and off the field.
“It’s put Grafton Rugby on the map and it’s a massive reward for all the hard work.”
Powell will coach the Redmen first grade side in their curtain-raiser game against the Australian Stockmen side.
“It’s another massive achievement to have our first-grade side take the field against the Australian Stockman team,” he said.
“To play against a side of that quality in a trial game will be enormous.”
Grafton, in recent years, has been boosted by players and seasonal workers from Fiji who Powell believes will no doubt be in the stands to see their fellow countrymen showcase their rugby flair and skills.
“It will be great for the Fijian boys to have a connection on the day. They will most likely know some of the players.”
Games will be held at the Grafton Redmen Rugby Fields South Grafton on April 4 with the Redmen v Australian Stockmen game kicking off at 1pm followed by Japan under-20s v Fiji under 20s at 3pm.
