Morgan Turinui and Classic Wallabies loving coaching rugby kids
Once they used to meet up for reunions. Now some of the biggest names in Australian rugby get together for a very different reason - and it’s still a lot of laughs.
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Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui isn’t sure who has the most fun at special training sessions being organised by the Classic Wallabies - the kids or he and his old Australian rugby mates.
With numerous sporting events cancelled across Australia due to COVID-19, Turinui said there is a greater need than ever to rally his old teammates and run special training days for rugby loving youngsters.
This Sunday Turinui and some Classic Wallabies cohorts including Nathan Grey, Al Baxter, Benn Robinson and Rob Horne head to Wahroonga to give youngsters from the local club specialised instructional and advice.
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“Normally we would open it up but because of COVID we will do it inside a club,” said the General manager of the Classic Wallabies who played 20 tests for Australia between 2003 and 2005.
“We had clinics and functions and events all around the world, every state and territory all gone out the window.
“I think kids will have missed the fun of sport with their mates so where we have been able to we have tried to step in.
“We had a day near Forster and another at Jindabyne two weeks ago. We did their junior and senior teams, helping coach their coach and spending time with the kids. I think we had a better time than the kids. It was great to see them enjoying themselves.”
Turinui, a former assistant coach at the Melbourne Rebels and now head coach at Randwick, said extensive COVID safety measures will be in place at Wahroonga, including using two full fields to spread youngsters out, the washing of balls and hands and having the group segmented.
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“If it means the kids have a good day it is worth it,” he said.
Turinui said the Classic Wallabies was originally formed to organised reunions and social occasions.
“We though, we have this group of rugby players with such knowledge and great success.
“We felt there was a responsibility to give back. The more people who love rugby, love the game is good.
“The kids of today end up being the volunteers, administrations, players. We wanted to give positive experiences back.’’