Queensland Reds moving in with regional families to reconnect with community

The Queensland Reds will move in with host families in regional Queensland to launch their 2020 pre-season campaign, in a landmark bid to reconnect the team with the rugby community.

Wallabies star James O'Connor is attending the launch of a new Under-19s competition named after him. Retired legend Elton Flatley will also be in attendance for the competition's 'Elton Flatley Medal' for best and fairest player. Laga Taylor referee, Bryce Catchpole Dolphins, James Nesdale Knights, Blake McFarlane Bond Pirates, Jack Culbert Helensvale, James O'Connor, Elton Flatley, Jarman Wilson Alleygators, Toby Mayes Bond, Henry Morris Knights. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Queensland Reds players and coaches will move in with regional Queensland host families in a landmark bid to reconnect the team with the wider rugby community.

The Reds have dedicated the first week of their pre-season training campaign to rediscovering what it means to don the famous Queensland jersey as they prepare to contest the 2020 Super Rugby season.

Queensland Reds stars including James O’Connor will move in with regional Queensland families to reconnect with grassroots rugby. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Players and coaches will visit 23 regional hubs across the state, including the Gold Coast, for a three-day mission to reconnect the professional arm of the game with the grassroots.

Each player will be billeted and will stay with a host family during their time in the region.

Throughout their stay players will visit local rugby clubs, schools, hospitals, local Government, council and sponsor activities.

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The visits will also provide the Reds’ young squad with opportunities to meet and interact with the everyday people across the state they represent every time they pull on the maroon jersey.

Head coach and former Maroons hardman Brad Thorn said the group was looking forward to embracing their wider Queensland roots.

Reds Coach Brad Thorn looks on before the round eight Super Rugby match between the Reds and the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“As a group we’re looking forward to travelling around Queensland and connecting with the hardworking people of this great state,” Thorn said.

“As part of the visit they will be helping spread the word about Rugby in the local community and hopefully help attract some new people to the game.

“It is also very important the players spend some time with clubs and schools who are already carrying the flag for the sport.

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“Our players will be billeted, rather than staying in a hotel. They’ll also spend half a day working with people in the surrounding community, preferably with anyone doing it tough at the moment with the drought and other difficulties.

“At the heart of everything we’re trying to do is to help these men grow in character and overall, we’re there to connect and contribute to the local community.”

Three Queensland Reds stars will move in with Gold Coast rugby families from Monday next week and stay through Wednesday.