The Glenmore Park Brumbies J.R.L.F.C Under 13 Division 1 boys’ team have just returned from a successful goodwill tour of Samoa, which saw them play against local schools, promote mental health awareness and promote the game of rugby league.

The 9-day tour to Samoa saw 16 players and 24 adults make the trip together to the Pacific Island. Whilst there, they toured Savai’i, the largest island in Samoa, and Apia, the capital city.

The major sponsors of the tour were RUOK? and Panthers on the Prowl. RUOK? is a suicide prevention charity in Australia and Panthers on the Prowl is a program that promotes the wellbeing of young people in the local community.

The trip would not have been possible without their generosity.
An important part of the tour was the Brumbies team promoting RUOK? and creating awareness around suicide prevention and mental health.

The boys spent 5 days in Savai’i, where they played a game of rugby league against a local school. The second leg of the trip was for 4 days in Apia, where they also played against another school. The opportunity to represent Glenmore Park and indeed Australia whilst playing the sport they love in another country was an experience they will never forget.

“There were so many highlights of the tour, too many to mention. The cultural visits to villages and swimming with turtles were memorable. Playing games of rugby league against other kids and handing all our boots and gear over was pretty special. Just generally seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces” said Craig Button, Glenmore Park Brumbies Under 13 Division 1 boys’ team representative and parent.

“Now that they’ve made the trip to Samoa, hopefully the boys will see how good they have it at home and appreciate how others live in another country” ended Craig.