Central Queensland welcomed former Wallabies star Radike Samo as he
travelled to Longreach and Emerald alongside Regional Rugby Manager Jack Lloyd,
delivering an inspiring grassroots rugby initiative aimed at strengthening the
sport in regional communities.
The visit focused on engaging local schools and rugby clubs, providing young players with
a rare opportunity to connect directly with one of Australia’s most respected
rugby figures. Students were presented with backpacks from Rugby Australia and
enjoyed invaluable face‑to‑face time with Samo, who shared insights from his
distinguished international career.
The initiative forms part of the broader work of the Classic Wallabies program,
which continues to be a powerful vehicle for promoting rugby union across
Australia’s regional and rural communities. By bringing former internationals
back into grassroots environments, the program not only celebrates the legacy
of the game but actively contributes to its future growth.
Jack Lloyd emphasised the importance of these regional visits in fostering
participation and strengthening club networks. Exposure to role models such as
Samo helps build enthusiasm for rugby at the community level, while also
supporting local clubs in developing the next generation of players.