Central Queensland welcomed former Wallabies star Radike Samo as he travelled to Longreach and Emerald alongside Regional Rugby Manager Jack Lloyd, delivering an inspiring grassroots rugby initiative aimed at strengthening the sport in regional communities.
The visit focused on engaging local schools and rugby clubs, providing young players with a rare opportunity to connect directly with one of Australia’s most respected rugby figures. Students were presented with backpacks from Rugby Australia and enjoyed invaluable face‑to‑face time with Samo, who shared insights from his distinguished international career.
The initiative forms part of the broader work of the Classic Wallabies program, which continues to be a powerful vehicle for promoting rugby union across Australia’s regional and rural communities. By bringing former internationals back into grassroots environments, the program not only celebrates the legacy of the game but actively contributes to its future growth.
Jack Lloyd emphasised the importance of these regional visits in fostering participation and strengthening club networks. Exposure to role models such as Samo helps build enthusiasm for rugby at the community level, while also supporting local clubs in developing the next generation of players.
