Tasmania are undisputed national champions and the envy of Australia's sporting landscape - in basketball.
But the Jack Jumpers' history dates back long before Scott Roth's ballers won their NBL 23/24 title.
Two decades prior, that name was held solely by the Apple Isle's rugby team across various Australian Rugby Shield and Emerging/Southern States tournaments since 2000.
Much like their venomous name-sake, the Jack Jumpers men pride themselves on playing well above their weight - and they'll need to against their fancied opponents at this year's ARS in Caloundra.
The "Jackies" face a daunting start in hosts Queensland Country and powerhouse NSW Country back-to-back before tackling the Australian Defence Rugby Union across round robin play.
“We’re excited by this squad and think there’s a real opportunity for the Jack Jumpers to have a breakout 2024 Shield campaign,” TRU coaching director Chris Noble said.
“Queensland Country and New South Wales Country will be tough opponents first up but we’ll give it everything and be battle hardened early.
“There’s a real chance for us to make our mark against QLD Suburban after a narrow loss in last year’s clash and we’ll be ready for whatever comes in the playoff rounds.”
The Jack Jumpers open their Australian Rugby Shield campaign on October 2 against the Heelers (Queensland Country) - all games will be livestreamed from Caloundra Rugby Club via rugby.com.au/videos.
