A Victorian Country Barbarians squad featuring top talent from around regional Victoria - including a cohort of Shepparton Bulls’ championship winners - will face off against the Australian Defence Force Rugby Union side on October 3.
Representatives from Shepparton, Geelong, Melton, Ballarat, and Bendigo will unite under the guidance of Bulls premiership coach Moronae Silaga as they take on the Australian servicemen — and locals are being urged to come out and show their support.
The Barbarians have put in the hard yards over recent weeks, and their dedication paid off with an impressive 36-24 victory over ACT/NSW rivals the Brumbies in Albury.
Thirteen Bulls players were selected in that initial squad, but the representative rugby joy wasn’t confined to them.
Young Bull Jayden Ssali was selected for the Rugby Victoria side to compete in the Super Rugby under-16s competition, while Kai Henry earned a place on the Melbourne Brothers touring squad of New Zealand.
It will also be a wave of green bound for the Provincial Invitationals held in Sydney, with five selected in Victoria’s under-16 girls squad and eight in the under-18 girls side.
Meanwhile, Shepparton crowned its own champions at its recent presentation night.
Josua Tikoduadua took out the double gong of Rugby Victoria’s Conference Cup champion player and Bulls best-and-fairest, while Fofoa Tulimafono (Lindroth Cup) and Alekisa Vononirewa (third grade) topped their respective senior vote counts.
Juliet Satele (under-16 girls), Jayden Ssali (under-16 boys), and Laodeceon Tafaoga (under-14 boys) scooped the junior categories.
The clash between the Victorian Country Barbarians and the ADF will take place at Shepparton Sports City on Saturday, October 3, with 2.30pm scheduled as the kick-off.
21°C