Two of Tasmania’s most promising rugby juniors have added their names to history by representing the Australian Barbarians at Ballymore Stadium.
Devonport’s Charlie Menzies and Taroona’s Andre Loubser took to the field for the U16 Barbarians against the U16 Queensland Reds, eventually going down 26-12 in a hard-fought contest.
Loubser showed his class with a few key touches as playmaker while Menzies was strong up front in a highly skilled Barbarians pack.
Post-game, both players noted the lightning pace – and heat – of playing on the mainland.
“It was a great game, much quicker than we’re used to in Tassie and bigger hits – they’re bigger boys up here,” Loubser said.
“I’d like to be able to take that catch-pass and bring it back to Tassie, that’s definitely something we can work on.”
“It was hot too, really hot, but I felt much more comfortable in the second half. I felt like I knew what I was doing and was able to keep the talk up more as well,” Menzies added.
Barbarians coach Paul Healy was impressed by both players and hopes to see more Tasmanian representation in years to come.
“This game’s unearthed some real talent out of Tasmania and this Barbarians environment is exactly where we want those kinds of players," Healy said.
“It’s a great opportunity for these Tassie kids to play in a place like Ballymore with real rugby history and we hope to see more like them coming through.”
