Queensland Reds to visit Sunshine Coast for preseason camp

The Queensland Reds will hold a three-day pre-season training camp on the Sunshine Coast next month.

The 2019 squad will uproot from Ballymore to train Sunshine Coast Stadium at Kawana Waters between December 12 and 14.

Despite taking numerous trial matches and training sessions to the region in the past, it’ll be the first time the Reds will hold a dedicated pre-season camp up the Coast.

“We’re really excited to get to the Sunshine Coast and continue our preparations for the upcoming Super Rugby season,” Reds head coach Brad Thorn said.

“As well as training, the camp will have a big focus on community engagement. We can’t wait to visit the local communities and meet our fans.

“It’s important for us to give back and recognise why we play Rugby and what it means to represent Queensland,” Thorn added.

“It’s a great place and this is a great initiative,” Reds scrumhalf and Sunshine Coast Grammar old boy Tate McDermott said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back up there. I played my junior Rugby with the Maroochydore Swans and went to Sunshine Coast Grammar, so I know the place pretty well.

“It’ll be good to meet all the young Rugby fans. It wasn’t too long ago that was me, so hopefully we can inspire the next generation of Sunny Coast Rugby talent,” McDermott said.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Reds would be very welcome visitors to the region.

“We’ve built up a good history of sporting teams and individuals coming to the Sunshine Coast for training and then enjoying success the following year,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We’d love some of that Sunshine Coast magic to rub off on the Reds.

“The facilities and environment we offer are ideal for pre-season camps like this one and I’m particularly pleased the Reds will be getting out and about and interacting with our local community, especially our young rugby players who love the chance to meet their heroes face to face.”

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