Reds take on Super Rugby champs in Toowoomba

Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson is encouraging local rugby union fans to head to Toowoomba’s Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday, to support the Queensland Reds as they take on the reigning Super Rugby champs, the Waikato Chiefs.

Mr Dickson said he hoped rugby fans watching the game would be motivated to get active at their local club – a key goal of the Newman Government’s Get in the Game program.

“This match may be the only chance to see the two sides clash this year,” Mr Dickson said.

“They aren’t scheduled to meet in the regular season, and even as a pre-season game, this will be a tough battle for the Reds.”

Member for Toowoomba South John McVeigh said he was looking forward to the game this Saturday.

“I will certainly be there cheering on our great Queensland Reds players in the clash against the Chiefs,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This is the second year in a row the Reds have played a pre-season fixture in Toowoomba and it is testament to the first-class facilities we have.

“Sports including rugby offer great benefits for those who play, such as improved fitness and health, discipline, coordination and team work skills and it is a great opportunity for young players to come along and see the match right here in Toowoomba.”

Mr Dickson said the match was a chance for aspiring sport stars to see their heroes in action.

“All of the players for the Queensland Reds and the local Darling Downs team had their start at a local rugby club,” he said.

“The Newman Government is keen to encourage more young Queenslanders to get involved in recreation and sport to have fun and get active.

“It’s our aim as a government to support grassroots participation in sport and recreation and we have witnessed a growing surge in membership numbers for rugby union across the state through our flagship Get in the Game initiative.”

Mr Dickson said Get in the Game had provided sporting clubs across Queensland with better equipment and facilities, and given children who might not otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to play sport.

“Over the past year our Get in the Game programs have provided more than $950,000 to support rugby union clubs across the state, including Get Started vouchers for about 500 children to participate in rugby union,” he said.    

For more information on Get in the Game visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/getinthegame

[ENDS] 5 February 2013

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647