Lismore will host an exclusive Barbarians Rugby match when the famous international team tours NSW in October, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall and Member for Lismore Thomas George announced today.
19 July 2017Mr Marshall said the fixture, secured by the NSW Government, would be a huge boost and unique event for the region.
“Securing this major event for Lismore will prove a huge draw card for the region, attracting thousands of visitors to the area and tourist dollars into the pockets of local businesspeople,” Mr Marshall said.
“I am also pleased to announce that all proceeds from ticket sales will go towards flood relief for the town, supporting the local community as it continues to recover from the severe weather earlier this year.
“Securing the Barbarians to play in Lismore is a prime example of the NSW Government’s commitment to growing visitation to rural and regional NSW and beyond the fringes of Sydney.”
Member for Lismore Thomas George said hosting the first ever Barbarians match in regional NSW was a major coup for the region.
“After the devastation of the floods in March, this match between the Barbarians and the Classic Wallabies will not only lift spirits, but will also be of great benefit to our local businesses,” Mr George said.
“The Barbarians only play a few matches every year so I’m delighted Lismore will be one of the places to have the honour of hosting such a prestigious match.
“Lismore is a passionate sporting community and I know that fans from the region will get right behind the Aussie side as they take on the Barbarians.”
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said the Classic Wallabies will be made up of a combination of past Wallabies, including flanker Stephen Hoiles, along with some of the best up and coming players from the National Rugby Championship.
“We are proud to announce that our Classic Wallabies will be dusting off their boots to take on the Barbarians in a tour match in Lismore, in what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining spectacle and a great family occasion for country fans”, Mr Pulver said.
The opportunity to play a match in Lismore that will raise funds for flood relief is something Barbarians President Micky Steele-Bodger is thrilled about.
“The Barbarians are delighted to be travelling to Lismore and supporting the flood relief efforts taking place in the area,” Mr Steele-Bodger said.
“We will be bringing together some of the game’s most exciting players and we are sure this match against the Classic Wallabies will be an entertaining spectacle in the best traditions of both teams.”
The Barbarians team will comprise of international rugby stars and will be coached by broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones.
The Barbarians will take on the Classic Wallabies, a side made up of former Wallabies playing club rugby and National Rugby Championship players, on Tuesday 24 October 2017 at Crozier Field in Lismore.
As part of their Australian Tour, the Barbarians side will also play the Wallabies on 28 October 2017 at Allianz Stadium.
Tickets for both matches will be on sale from Monday 24 July 2017 via www.visitlismore.com.au for the Lismore match and Ticketek for the Sydney match.
ENDS
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