We name the male and female Downs Rugby 2024 stars to watch

REVEALED: Two of country rugby’s toughest competitions – the Risdon and Emilee Cherry cups – kick off this weekend. Here’s our look at some of the male and female players ready to shine.

Toowoomba Bears Womens 7s celebrate their win over Roma Echidnas in the Emilee Cherry Cup grand final. Picture: Kevin Farmer

There is no questioning the passion and commitment of Darling Downs rugby union.

Some of Australian rugby’s greatest ever players – including Tim Horan, Jason Little, Emilee Cherry and Demi Hayes – first picked up a ball in the region before starring on the world stage.

Downs Rugby also features one of country sports toughest road trips – a four hour, 362km trek from Goondiwindi to Roma.

Ahead of the 2024 Downs Rugby senior season kick-off here’s our look at the star male and female players to watch.

Risdon Cup

Rohan Gale (Dalby Wheatmen): After a season off through injury the talented halfback is looking fit and strong. Gale should be pushing for rep honours this season.

Trent Davidson (Dalby Wheatmen): Building off a successful run with the Queensland Country Heelers, Davidson is primed for a big year. Davidson will captain the side and always leads by example.

Sam Laffy (pictured taking the ball up for Rangers) will be a key man for Dalby this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sam Laffy (Dalby Wheatmen): A Queensland Country Heelers star last season, Laffy has a strong running and hard tackling game. A great competitor who never backs down.

Alfred Turner (Uni): A powerful flanker who is intimidating on both sides of the ball.

Turner has the ability to bend the defence and keep the ball moving forwards.

Ratulevu Reuben (Uni): A versatile player who can be used in the backs and the forwards.

Reuben’s jumping abilities are as strong as his defence and he can find the line when left in open space.

Brock Morris (Uni): A strong second rower who is able to lead the forwards around the ground and turnover a lot of ball.

Morris is also a strong jumper and scrummager.

Women

Tamara Clarson (Dalby Wheatchix): With her rugby IQ growing every season Clarson has become a real threat on the field.

Holly Berlin (Dalby Wheatchix): A true speedster on the field – expect to see some real finesse in Berlin’s game after playing rep footy last season.

Shelby Green (Dalby Wheatchix): Green is an exciting prospect. Strong and fast she is quickly adapting to her new sport.

Sasha Blomley (Uni): A highly skilled half and flanker who shows great leadership and situational awareness on the field.

Blomley also possesses strong kicking, passing and evasive skills.

Matilda Moore (Uni): A dynamic forward in XVs that has also shown great improvement as a fast forward in rugby 7s.

Moore brings a lot of energy and an element of fun to any team she plays in.

Amy Meacle (Uni): A versatile team player who can play in the halves and back row across both formats of the game.

Meacle also has great handling and tackling abilities.

Toowoomba Rangers celebrate a try against Goondiwindi Emus in the Risdon Cup grand final. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Rangers men’s statement

Rangers opted to provide a written statement to The Chronicle Sport team ahead of the 2024 Risdon Cup season kick-off

Rangers are ready to kick-off their 2023 Risdon Cup under the new yet familiar leadership of co-coaches Tom and Ted Vinson.

The father-son duo, alongside assistant coach Bart Woodhead and team manager Dale Cook comprise one of the most formidable coaching teams in country Queensland rugby.

The Rangers’ line-up features a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new talents poised to make a significant impact on the field.

Will Wigan, who played as a Queensland Country Heeler in 2023 before sustaining a major injury, has fully recovered, and is expected to be a formidable force for the team.

Curtis Rayment, joining from Teachers West in Townsville, is anticipated to be an outstanding addition, bringing vigour and skill.

Angus Kelly, a loyal club player who has shown consistent improvement, is set to feature in the A-grade side, a move seen as just reward for his years of dedication.

Under the guidance of Tom and Ted Vinson, Rangers aim to reinforce the club’s core values and strong community culture.

The co-coaches’ philosophy of “effort gets reward” highlights the importance of dedication, not only to the game but to the club’s legacy.

This approach is expected to deepen the sense of unity among players, supporters, and the broader community, emphasising that full participation extends beyond the pitch.

Ted Vinson, recognised as Rugby Australia’s 2015 Community Coach of the Year, alongside Tom Vinson, whose extensive experience spans various coaching roles and on-field positions, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven success record.

This leadership is a cornerstone upon which the Rangers hope to build a successful season. Their combined expertise and strategic vision are anticipated to inject a positive, progressive energy into the team, inspiring both new and veteran players to achieve excellence.

* A number of clubs did not respond to The Chronicle’s request for player and squad breakdowns.