Rugby works for disadvantaged kids
The Australian Buildcorp Wallaroos may have met their match at Optus Stadium on Saturday, but one organisation is a winner because of two players, in particular.
Cottesloe Rugby Club’s Rebecca Clough and Queenslander Sarah (“The Beast”) Riordan are ambassadors for P2S RUGBYWORKS, a Perth-based charity that assists disadvantaged kids into the workforce via the medium of rugby.
The pair was joined by Buildcorp Wallaroos head coach Dwayne Nestor and deputy Matthew Tink in a pre-test function at Perth City’s Quay hotel before a large audience on Thursday night.
The women spoke of their careers and being seen as role models for young women taking up the sport and how they get to interact with youngsters in the RUGBYWORKS programme.
P2S RUGBYWORKS Founder & CEO Fraser Griggs, gave the keynote speech about how the charity is trying to “break the cycle” when it comes to disadvantaged youth falling through the cracks in education and being prepared for a working life.
“P2S RUGBYWORKS is a progressive long-term employability program to help young people develop life values; a new approach to tackle social exclusion and mental health issues”
“Our aim is to promote social inclusion and ensure our youngsters can achieve long-term, sustainable education, training and employment as an integral part of their communities”
Sadly for the Buildcorp Wallaroos, they were unable to break the Silver Ferns hoodoo, going down to world champion New Zealand 47-10 before a world-record women’s rugby audience of 30,342.
Clough ran on to the field late in the match for her 23rd international cap when the match was unfortunately beyond winning.
Ends
Pictured (from left) are Assistant Coach Matthew Tink, Wallaroo Sarah Riordan, P2S RUGBYWORKS Founder & CEO Fraser Griggs, Wallaroo Rebecca Clough, Head Coach Dwayne Nestor and Wallaby #828 Richard Brown.