Cup guide: Everything you need to know about 2023 O’Callaghan Cup

The biggest threats, opposing tactics and keys to victory. The Downlands and Grammar First XV captains take us inside the preparations of both schools ahead of the 2023 O’Callaghan Cup.

For more than 90 years Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar have been rugby rivals.

Since 1950 they have battled for one of Australian schoolboy rugby’s most coveted trophies – the O’Callaghan Cup.

Named after the five O’Callaghan brothers (Jim, John, Frank, Michael and Bryan) the Cup is the showpiece event of Grammar-Downlands Day.

Downlands rookie David Nunn is eager to add his name to the list of rugby union greats who have played in the cup.

The 15-year-old utility back, who will start his first ever Cup game on the bench, is ready and confident.

Downlands player David Nunn will make his debut for the 1st XV. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I’m very proud to know that I’ll be pulling on the Downlands colours,” he said.

“This school has had so many great players and Wallabies come through so to be a part of that history is pretty special.

“We’ve been preparing all year, we went overseas and have been training since the start of the year so I feel like we’re ready for them.

“All the boys are pretty confident and I’m really confident that we can get the win this year.”

Grammar will host the full day of rugby this Saturday with thousands of people expected to line the school’s ovals to watch all the action.

Grammar will be eager to secure a fourth straight cup win after edging out Downlands 27-21 last year.

Ahead of the big day The Chronicle has spoken to a few of the key figures from each First XV squad including coaching staff, captains and young stars hoping to make their mark.

Downlands 1st XV captain Mackenzie Koch. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The captains

Mackenzie Koch (Downlands) and George Griffiths (Grammar) are keeping their ‘team tactic’ cards close to their chests ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

The two skippers however did reveal their teams will head into the game with essentially the same focus and mindset.

Despite the Cup’s rich history and tradition, both sides will approach the showdown like they would any other rugby game.

“We have a pretty senior team with a lot of experience and we’re approaching it like any other game,” Koch said.

“We have been preparing for certain things but you never want to disrupt or change routine.”

Grammar carry good form into the cup having four of their first five GPS Rugby games this season

We’re ready coming off a successful five weeks with just the one loss in that time,” Griffiths said.

“There is a lot of emotion in this game but we’re trying to block all that out.

“During our preparation leading into it we’re just trying to treat like any other game.

“We’re excited though and ready for whatever Downlands throws at us.”

TGS First XV captain George Griffiths. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TGS First XV vice-captain Jimmy White. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Vice captains

Downlands vice-captain Braith Clark admits there will be nerves when he runs onto the field, but he is confident he and his team will shine.

“It’s a great rivalry, and I’ve got some butterflies that’s for sure,” the flyhalf said.

“We are a really close bunch of blokes which helps a lot out on the field.

“We’ve been training since way back in January, so everybody understands one another and it’s really good for communication and connections.

“I’m expecting them to throw a lot of strike power at us from their backs.”

“They’ve also got a couple of forwards that are dangerous around the ruck area, which is something we’ll be keeping a close eye on.”

Downlands 1st XV vice-captain Braith Clark. Picture: Kevin Farmer

After watching previous O’Callaghan Cup games from the sideline, Grammar vice-captain Jimmy White will make his debut this weekend.

Promoted from the B-team White is looking forward to his running on.

“After starting in the Bs I’ve been working hard to get into this team – it’s been a big goal of mine for a long time,” White said.

“It’s a massive game and a massive weekend and a really good opportunity to represent the blue and gold.

“Hopefully we can put together a really good performance – it’s a matter of staying consistent and working for each other.”