Wallabies embracing regional roots in Bledisloe build up

Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 11:03 PM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Israel Folau and the Wallabies will be mingling with fans in the weeks leading into the first Bledisloe. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Israel Folau and the Wallabies will be mingling with fans in the weeks leading into the first Bledisloe. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

The Wallabies will embrace their regional roots in the weeks prior to the first Bledisloe, with training camps to be held in Newcastle and Cessnock in the lead up.

Newcastle will be the squad's first temporary home, with the Wallabies spending the last week of July there before moving to Cessnock from August 6.

Base camp will then be moved to Sydney in the week prior to the August 19 opener, Penrith hosting the squad before the all important first Test.

Coach Michael Cheika can't wait to take the squad to the nation's heartland.The Wallabies want to connect with fans, young and old, at their regional camps. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"The Wallaby support is very strong in these areas so Cessnock and Newcastle will be a great chance for us to feel that support before we take on New Zealand," he said.

"I've already been up there a number of times - great facilities, great people and a great chance for us to share the gold jersey with the people of the region while we get ready for the mother of all matches in Sydney. It's going to be a great week."

Cheika is also hoping to capture the eyes and ears of Sydney's west, an area in which he believes Australian rugby is yet to scratch the surface.

"It's no secret that rugby hasn't made a strong home in the west of Sydney," he said.Wallabies rookie Ned Hanigan is one of several country raised stars. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"It's weird because we have so many players in our professional teams who are born and bred in the area.

"We want to change that by taking the Wallaby jersey there for people to see a little more about who we are.

"I'm looking forward to the week and spending time with fans who follow the Wallabies, as well as making some new friends and fans in our time there.

While the Wallabies will be making several community appearances throughout the three weeks, the highlight is set to be a Gala Day at Nepean Rugby Park in Penrith on August 13.

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