Massive Weekend Of Fantastic Plays

Over 200 keen rugby union players surged into the Whitsunday Sportspark last weekend, for the coveted Viking Cup.

The annual rugby union carnival saw hundreds of players, aged from 5 to 16, with their families, from all across the state, for a massive weekend of sport.

President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, Tim Oberg, said “Our Committee made some small but significant changes to the Viking Cup this year such as reverting to the original 10s format, bringing it forward into the school holidays to encourage teams from outside our region to attend and moving our canteen into the stunning new Club House.

“All of these changes were validated with record attendances, much more efficient food and drink service and some absolutely wonderful Rugby being played by so many little legends.”

The U8 trophy was taken by the mixed Cap Coast Crocs from Yeppoon, and the U10 trophy by the mixed Nogoa Red Claws from Emerald.

U14 and U16 trophies were won by boys Nogoa Red Claws.

Head Coach of the Whitsundays Raiders Girls teams, Nathan Sainbury, said “It is fantastic to see the growth of the game for women and girls. “The Central Highlands Titans continue to produce excellent Rugby players and the development we have seen from Bowen in a short time is incredibly encouraging,” he said.

“The pathway to professional Rugby is growing for the girls and it is exciting to see former Raider, Seraphina Dufil, playing for the Queensland Country Orchids over the past week, as well as multiple girls from the Mackay District representing Central Queensland in 7s and the junior Orchids. 2024 is going to be another exciting year for girls Rugby Union in the Whitsundays!”

‍