Rugby World Cup: Matt Toomua says wearing Wallabies indigenous jersey a proud moment

The Wallabies will don their indigenous jersey against Uruguay and Matt Toomua says it’s a powerful symbol of the changing face of Australia.

Matt Toomua is a big fan of the indigenous jersey. Picture: Getty Images

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Matt Toomua has delivered a powerful message of pride that wearing an indigenous jersey for the first time at a World Cup wonderfully embraces the changing face of the Wallabies.

Fullback Kurtley Beale may be the only player of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander heritage for Saturday’s clash against Uruguay but the jersey is a broader symbol.

“It’s representing all of Australia,” Toomua said.

“We’re very fortunate to have Kurtley in the team and he’s shared with us quite a lot of stories of what it means in getting recognition for the first people of our country.

“We have a chequered history there.

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Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale models the indigenous jersey the team will wear against Uruguay. Picture: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

“To start getting recognition (with the jersey) is quite exciting and I’m proud that rugby is at the forefront.”

The Wallabies at this World Cup are a strongly bonded Australian team but an amalgam of Anglo, Polynesian, Kiwi, South African and Papua New Guinean heritage.

Centre Toomua feels the jerseys significance in that message and World Rugby gave it a tick to be used as Australia’s second strip at the tournament.

“It is very much indigenous art and an indigenous jersey but it is representative of the fact society is changing and very much in a sport that was seen as being an upper class, white collar sport in the past,” Toomua said.

Matt Toomua is a big fan of the indigenous jersey. Picture: Getty Images

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“To see an indigenous jersey filled with a team full of brown guys is kinda cool and kinda different.

“That’s just where society is at the moment. To be at the forefront of that as a Wallaby is quite a proud moment personally.

“The make up of the Wallabies team in itself is a lot different culturally than it was say 10 years ago.

“I think what it represents is amazing as well. I think it’s probably a lot bigger than we realise for a lot of people.”