Southern Lions’ All Abilities team has just returned home from their New Zealand tour, where they put the Western Australian inclusive rugby program on display.
Emerging from the club over 8 years ago, the Southern Lions All Abilities side has continued to break down barriers for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in the rugby space, providing the opportunity to get involved in a contact sport in a safe, inclusive manner.
Following a huge effort from the coaches, managers, support staff and families at Southern Lions, the All Abilities side had the opportunity to head to New Zealand for eight days in late-September. Raising $120,000, it was no small feat to get the team of 17 across the Tasman, for the chance to experience the culture and rugby lifestyle in New Zealand.
Getting to display their rugby prowess, the Southern Lions All Abilities team went head-to-head with the High School Old Boys Tri Rugby team, giving the New Zealanders a run for their money. Playing two games against the side, Program Manager Mike Penhaligon said they have the home side a bit of a shock as they took to the field.
“I don’t think they expected us to be as good as we were,” Penhaligon said. “...The growth of the team during just those few days was just unbelievable."
Head Coach, Justin Arthur, shared that the team put in hard work both on and off the field, to truly challenge the New Zealanders. “We get prepared, we get ready, we get passionate. We did it for the club, and for All Abilities Rugby, and WA. Pretty proud that we put a stamp on things over there, and show to Kiwis that, hey, All Abilities Rugby in Perth is going great.”
Beyond the rugby field, the team also had the opportunity to participate in cultural experiences, visiting the Hamners Hot Springs and Ko Tane Waka, providing them with the opportunity to connect as a team while experiencing New Zealand’s culture and landscapes.
But the trip to New Zealand began well before September, with the ActiveOps ‘Try for Good’ campaign in January providing much needed support for the All Abilities team.
The campaign put the Great Britain 7s at the centre of the fundraising effort for the Southern Lions touring team, with every try scored at the HSBC SVNS PER raising funds towards their trip. In celebration, the international 7s team met with RugbyWA’s All Abilities clubs prior to their first match, playing some rugby at Scarborough Beach and givig out signatures.
“To see the Great Britain team come together and meet our guys, it really gave our guys a buzz,” Penhaligon shared. "It was absolutely brilliant to start the ball rolling, and it actually set the standard [for the tour]. Our guys rose to the occasion, and I think that’s where it all started, with the Sevens and ActiveOps.”
The contribution from ActiveOps was part of a much larger effort from all members of the All Abilities community, but helped to give players the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
“The funding helped in many ways. A lot of our players come from very poor backgrounds, and we were able to use their [ActiveOps] money support them to get to New Zealand... What they did by coming on board from the outset gave us the motivation to make it happen.”
This week, after their fantastic contribution to the All Abilities tour, ActiveOps will be showcasing the RugbyWA All Abilities program at their annual Capacity25 Conference in Melbourne, displaying the impact of positive investment on the rugby community and the continued growth of the game.
The Southern Lions All Abilities trip provided an incredible opportunity for its players to experience international rugby, showcasing the impact of inclusive rugby on the sport. It was no small feat getting the trip off the ground – something that Penhaligon shared was the highlight for him.
“The highlight of the trip for me was the way the whole thing came together. The coaches, the support staff, the parents, and the players, responded so well. It was just unbelievable.”
The hard work and talent of the Southern Lions All Abilities team reached an international audience, putting the positive impact of inclusive rugby on display. Providing all members of Southern Lions to opportunity to step on the field, to travel with their sport, and to be part of a community, the continued success of the All Abilities teams in Western Australia shows the immense benefit of rugby for all.
Congratulations to all members of the Southern Lions All Abilities Touring team for their incredible efforts, both on and off the field!
To learn more about the All Abilities Rugby program in Western Australia, visit RugbyWA’s All Abilities webpage.
