’We want to reinvigorate the club’: How UniSQ is rebuilding ahead of 2024 Risdon Cup

UniSQ Rugby Club had a year to forget in 2023 but a mass overhaul is set to spark a strong rebuild for years to come.

A reinvigorated UniSQ Rugby Cub is set to take to the field next season with the club undergoing a change in personnel and philosophy this off-season.

UniSQ underwent a difficult Risdon Cup campaign in 2023, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Toowoomba club.

With a new president, coach and committee, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the team as preparations begin for the 2024 campaign.

“We want to reinvigorate the club,” director Gary Briscoe said.

Briscoe has come on back on board after coaching the team in the past and is excited to bring a fresh outlook to the club.

“I am the director but what we want to set up is a coaching group so that we vary trainings and make it more fun and enjoyable for players,” he said.

“We want to make sure it is affordable to play for families and everyone is enjoying the game.”

With a recent change in demographics at the club, Briscoe is hoping to make the club more community-orientated to bring in more players and supporters and with pre-season set to kick-off in February, plenty of work is being done at the club to prepare for the new season.

Gary Briscoe is returning to UniSQ to help lead the rebuild for the club.

“A lot of the old members have gotten behind it and everyone is trying to chase up as many players as possible,” he said.

Briscoe said that if the club can improve the community spirit, then success on the field will soon follow.

Another major focus on the rebuild is ensuring the club is strong as a whole, with a major emphasis on the women’s and junior programs.

“We want to make sure the club has a good base to move forward,” Briscoe said.

“We already have kids and women playing and we want to make sure players from all ages are playing.”