Beau Robinson will savour a feeling he’s missed in recent years when he lines up with the Classic Wallabies on Saturday.
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Dubbo’s Robinson has been named in the squad for the one-off clash with the Central West Barbarians at Orange’s Endeavour Oval on Saturday.
Robinson will play alongside the likes of Stephen Moore, Radiki Samo, Morgan Turinui, and Mark Gerrard; giving him the chance to relive some past glory.
“It’s awesome. It really is,” Robinson said of mixing with former teammates.
“I think you really miss it when you no longer play, that camaraderie.
“Some of these guys I haven’t seen in more than five years but when we come together it will be like we were in the sheds just a week ago.
“It’s a great opportunity and I love that they’re doing with it. They’re helping blokes make that transition into life after rugby while also helping the game in the community.”
The multiple benefits of the match is what was attractive to Robinson, who’s currently the director of coaching at the Dubbo Kangaroos.
The Classic Wallabies’ tour kicked off on Thursday with a clinic at Dubbo’s Macquarie Anglican Grammar school and another followed at Wellington in the afternoon.
Another session at Orange was held on Friday and more activities for juniors will be held in the lead-up to the main game, which kicks off at 4pm on Saturday.
The curtain-raiser for that game will be the OilsPlus Cup North-South showdown, featuring merit sides from Central West Rugby Union’s Graincorp Cup north and south divisions.
Robinson was full of praise for Central West Rugby Union (CRWU) CEO Matt Tink for making the tour a agal event.
“Matt Tink has done a wonderful job and he’s doing all he can to increase the exposure of the game,” he said.
“I’m sure everyone who attends will really appreciate it and this exposure will be really great for the next generation.”
It’s the current generation which will get the chance to take on some of the game’s greats on Saturday.
Robinson joked about being unsure of how many minutes he and his teammates would get through but he was still eager to get out there against the likes of Dubbo Kangaroos clubmate Shaun McHugh.
McHugh is part of the 30-strong Barbarians squad which features a whole host of current and former Central West stars.
“They’ll appreciate the chance to play against some legends and then catch up with them afterwards,” Robinson said.
“Connecting with them, not just the next generation, is integral to the game’s growth too.
“Whether they’re players or coaches we want them to walk away from this and stay engaged with the game.
“We want them to say ‘yes, this is why I love this game’.”
The clash between the Classic Wallabies and Central West Barbarians kicks off at 4pm at Orange’s Endeavour Oval on Saturday.
Tickets are $15 pre-bought or $20 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased at www.classicwallabies.com.au.