FORMER Former Wallaby, Warwick Waugh, entertained a large crowd at Mollymook Surf Club last Friday.
The event was a season launch for the Milton Platypi Rugby Club.
President Grant Brodie welcomed the capacity crowd with the news that The Star Hotel in Milton had come on board as the club's major sponsor.
Warwick arrived in an Eric Bana inspired XC Coupe before mingling with an enthused rugby crowd.
Some small car problems were rectified thanks to Ryan Marchello of Marchello Racing before the guest settled in for a wonderful afternoon of food, wine and good company.
The former Wallaby and journeyman rugby player took the crowd through his initial childhood playing league in a small country town not unlike Milton, in northern NSW Gulargambone.
His rugby schooling began in Scots at Bellevue Hill and after playing for the Australian Schoolboys he considered the most logical step was to walk the few hundred metres down the hill to Woolharra Oval (Easts).
This was when Jeff Sayle at Randwick stepped in and he found himself at pre season training with David Campese, the Ella brothers, Simon Poidevin and David Knox to name just a few.
A back injury almost derailed him before some fitness mentoring from the King Simon Poidevin got him back on the field and headed for representative honours first with NSW before Wallaby selection and the infamous 1995 World Cup.
He then gave us a few insights into what really happened in South Africa at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
How the World Rugby Corporation contracts were throwing around hundred of thousands of dollars at players that were previously playing for 'petrol money'. However the divisions and loyalties ran deep and even his mentor Simon Poidevin gave him a few threatening phone calls urging him not to sign.
Fortunately fate intervened with the Springboks refusing to sign en masse and players all signed with their home unions saving rugby from a Super League type debacle.
He then gave us a few insights into the Wallaby selection process and the 'dear Johnny' phone call from Rod Macqueen saw Warwick on a plane to Bath England. Warwick spent time in Bath (UK), Beziers (France) and Connacht (Ireland) before returning to his beloved galloping Greens.
Whilst in France he developed a friendship with Stuart O'Grady (Australian Tour de France legend) and started road cycling himself.
Warwick urged the Platypi players to "embrace the success" that Rugby could bring and that through facing adversity they would find out both who they were as individuals and collectively as a team.
Rugby update
The final draw is out.
The club hosts a 10-a-side women's knockout on March 27 with the men's side playing the Jindabyne Bushpigs before they travel to Bombala for the Zone 10s at Bombala on April 10 with the first round on April 24 at home against Bombala. Full draw next week.
Free stuff
The Milton Platypi Rugby Club is proud to announce that again for 2010 (thanks to The Star Hotel Milton) we will be able to offer free insurance and registration for all players.
That's right free!
No other sporting club in the region can offer that.
What with our legendary bus trips all you need to be is over 17 and have a desire to see the real South Coast in the company of a fine group of guys and gals. Don't sit on a bench all season wondering 'what if?'
Fancy an overnighter to Bombala in the depths of winter or what about a day raid into enemy country at Dalmeny?
Everyone wants to wipe the smile from the face of a Bay supporter.
Rugby prides itself on being an inclusive game with positions to suit all body shapes and sizes.
Sure the games can be hard but just as important is the social side with the after match barbecue and cold drink with the opposition a rugby tradition.
With ex Wallaby Gary Pearse to assist at training this year and our new scrum machine being wheeled and shoved all the way from northern NSW this young team will be competitive.
We are still seeking a few stocky neckless blokes and tall rangy guys to complement our scrum machine.
The position of general 5/8 is still open so if you think you fit the bill then turn up at Frogs Holla Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.
Please bring water bottle and lungs.
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