The Classic Wallabies were in Darwin to show off their game in coaching clinics as part of the 2027 Rugby World Cup bid

Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos – an alumni of Australian rugby legends – have given Darwin schools a taste of their game, as part of Australia’s bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby clinic at Mackillop Catholic College. Classic Wallabies Radike Samo and Classic Wallaroo Shirley Russell with students. Photo: Julianne Osborne

CLASSIC Wallabies and Wallaroos – an alumni of Australian rugby legends – have given Darwin schools a taste of their game and engaged with the rugby community as part of Australia’s bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The trio of Digby Ioane, Radike Samo and Shirley Russell have dived into the clinics held at Rugby Park, Mackillop College and Wulagi School to teach skills and increase awareness of their game.

And through these clinics and the potential of hosting 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Classic Wallabies are hoping to form a legacy that grows the game at community and grassroots level.

The bid has already gained plenty of support and any fans looking to get on board can do so at Australia2027.rugby.

Classic Wallaroo Shirley Russell has a proud history with the Territory, originally coming up in the Brisbane off-season only to head back nine years later with two kids having played over 100 games.

“It’s pretty surreal coming back to the Territory because I spent nine years playing and coaching up here,” Russell said.

“Rugby Australia has put in a bid for the 2027 World Cup and with that there will be a legacy left around the country with all the international sides giving back to grassroots rugby.

“The big teams will go into the communities sharing their experiences and that’s what we’re doing here with coaching clinics, teaching skills and giving them a taste of what rugby is about.”

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Recently retired Wallaby Digby Ioane played across the world in his 16-year career but now back in Australia he is still doing what he loves: inspiring kids.

And he showed his competitive side hasn’t died down in retirement at Mackillop, where he scored two tries.

“It will be a dream to get 2027, I was still in school when we last had the World Cup,” Ioane said.

“Even though we lost the final it’s always great to see your heroes and another in 2027 will be a massive boost.

“We’re living it up in Darwin coaching kids and sharing knowledge and giving back to the kids. I’m still competitive, scored two tries in the clinic.”