Hillcrest Christian College students enjoying being part of Gold Coast District Rugby Super Schools Cup

When Hillcrest Christian College were approached in December to compete in the 2019 Gold Coast District Rugby Super Schools Cup, they had just two union players in their ranks.

WHEN Hillcrest Christian College were approached in December to compete in the 2019 Gold Coast District Rugby Super Schools Cup, they had just two union players in their ranks.

A spot had become available in the six-team under-15 competition after Varsity College withdrew, and Hillcrest’s Roger Hodgson felt it was a no-brainer to get involved – apart from one hurdle.

“We didn’t even have a rugby program at that stage. We were going to bring one in this year, first of all rugby sevens to start off with,” Hodgson said.

“So yeah the only holdback I had was that at that stage we only had two rugby players at Hillcrest.

“We’re a basketball school so it was like, I wonder how this is going to go – are we going to have to borrow 15 players from (club affiliate) Bond Pirates or are we going to be able to supply more?”

Like Hillcrest, Miami High have found students from other sports have been keen to try their hand at rugby. Left to right: Miami’s Gus Adamson, Van McDonald and Rogan Huntley. Picture: Jerad Williams

Hodgson liked what he saw in the concept, though.

“I saw that it wouldn’t just be all about the winning, it would more be about the development of players and a long-lasting competition outside of GPS and APS, just developing other schools in rugby union,” he said.

As it has turned out, 18 students have flocked to be part of Hillcrest’s inaugural squad, which is bolstered by a couple of front-rowers from the Pirates to allow the side to play contested scrums.

“We walked into our first game with two weeks of training and out of 18 in our squad, probably nine of them have never been in contact sport before,” Hodgson said.

“They’re loving it. They really enjoy it.”

Hillcrest are chasing their first win of the season on Wednesday afternoon at Helensvale.

ROUND 3 FIXTURES

Marymount College v Miami High at Bond Pirates

Merrimac High v Ormeau Woods High at Bond Pirates

Helensvale High v Hillcrest College at Helensvale Hogs