Australian schools rugby championship danger team, draw, Barbarians players

There’s country and city teens on a mission and fired-up young guns with a point to prove. It makes them the most dangerous team at the Australian schools rugby championships this week.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

July 1, 2024 - 2:29PM

News Sport Network

The Barbarians in action at the event last year against NSW. Picture: Julian Andrews

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Barbarians/Combined States coach Doug Ryan said his Australian schools rugby championship charges might not know each other that well but they share one crucial thing in common – an urgency to prove people wrong.

This combined team is made up of players predominantly from NSW, a few from Queensland and others from as far away as South Australia, Tasmania and Darwin.

The unorthodox mix means the Barbarians go into the Australian schools rugby championships from Tuesday to Friday, with little get-to-know-you time or field work on their combinations.

But even that hasn’t rocked Ryan’s confidence in his rag-tag band of rugby rising stars.

“It will be a battle of will, not skill,” Ryan said.

Not for a second does Ryan doubt his young guns are up for the task ahead – or lacking motivation.

PREVIEW: EVERY SQUAD, FAVOURITES

A Barbarian in action against the ACT last year. Picture: Julian Andrews

“We are in the unique situation as a catch-all for the young men who have missed out on an opportunity,” Ryan said.

“They come from state programs which don’t always have pathway or have been overlooked by other teams.

“This is about giving plenty of opportunity to them all.

“So they have plenty to play for. I don’t need to install motivation, they come in motivated and hungry because they almost missed out on playing at this event and want to prove people wrong.’’

Ryan said another asset in his view are the amount of players form country or regional areas in his side.

“Country guys always add a tough element. I started my coaching in the country and I find myself gravitating towards that country no-nonsense rugby,’’ he said.

Ryan said despite limited time together he and his team go into the event with determination.

“We aren’t there to make up the numbers,” he said.

The Barbarians in action at the event last year against NSW. Picture: Julian Andrews

The Barbarians coach is tipping either the NSW 1 side or NSW Juniors, who won the event last year, as the teams to beat in 2024 on the Sunshine Coast. PREVIEW AND SQUADS HERE

The Barbarians open the tournament with a match against Queensland White at 10am on Tuesday.

NSWJRU BARBARIANS COMBINED STATES SQUAD LIST

1 Ponipate Ravubale Eastwood, 2 Cajun Arnfield Hunter, 3 Justin Amituani Sydney Uni, 4 Ethan Filipo Two Blues, 5 Hingano Helu Two Blues, 6 Joel Couper Warringah, 7 Ilikaya Turagavukica Darwin High, 8 Oscar Afleck Hunter, 9 Liam Walsh Sydney Uni, 10 Ollie Crowther Eastern Suburbs, 11 Xavier Stewart Hunter, 12 Nate Glendenning Sydney Uni, 13 Glassie Glassie Illawarra, 14 Shaun Collins Central North, 15 Dane Mitchell West Harbour, 16 Jean Paul Sia Ipswich Grammar School, 17 Wyatt Van Dongen Trinity College Gawler, 18 Harry Harrington Southern Country, 19 Immanuel Summerfield Hobart College, 20 Charlie McCaughey Cabra Dominican College, 21 Jasper Tipper Matthew Flinders Anglica.