The Bond University Breakers has launched their 2013 season, the first official milestone since announcing a partnership between the University and former Gold Coast Breakers Rugby Club earlier this year.
More than 100 members, supporters and players attended the season launch at Don’s Tavern - the University’s on campus licensed venue. Emceed by Wallaby great and current Bond student Tim Horan, the launch marked the start of a new era for the Breakers.
Wallaby legend Chris ‘Buddha’ Handy along with Club President Mr Warren Carey and Patron of the Club, Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, presented the Premier team with their jerseys. Gold Coast Mayor, Mr Tom Tate accepted the honorary role as the club’s number one ticket-holder. And founding club member Greg Cornelsen made a special presentation to Greg Batty for his many years of outstanding service.
The Breakers’ innovative partnership with Bond University is set to significantly advance rugby on the Gold Coast.
As part of the union the Breakers relocated their club facilities and home base to the university campus earlier this year - a move that secures a long-term future for the Breakers and the exciting prospect of a strong and constant supporter base. Home games will be played on Saturday afternoons from 12 noon at the University’s recently upgraded main rugby field.
Coaches and players will have access to sports science experts; use of world-class training and testing facilities including the Bond Institute of Health and Sport; and an integrated pathway program from club to national for budding rugby players.
Mr Tate said the amalgamation would be of economic benefit to the city.
“The Gold Coast has produced some of Australia’s greatest rugby players, including former Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe. This partnership is an opportunity to further realise the city’s rugby potential, to further engage with QRU and ARU, and to put in place measures that will support our Commonwealth Games preparation,” he said.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, who will be patron of the club, said the two organisations shared similar aspirations to progress rugby at all levels within the region.
“Bond has embarked on a strategy to establish itself as the national brand of sporting excellence in higher education. This partnership was a unique opportunity to join forces and create a critical mass of rugby excellence. We see the Breakers as the representative rugby team of the Gold Coast and our students are keen to embrace the Breakers as their team,” said Professor Brailsford.
“A club that links club, state and national rugby is an exciting prospect for rugby in general, as well as for the growth and development of the Gold Coast’s sporting reputation and for our unsurpassed student experience.
“Bond has established partnerships with Queensland Rugby Union and the ARU; and rugby is now an official Olympic sport and will be played at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. It was a natural evolution for the University to partner at the local representative level and become a central pivot for rugby at all levels providing a pathway from schools competition to the Wallabies,” he said.
The Bond University Breakers President Warren Carey said there was wide-spread community support for the move.
“I have spoken to the Gold Coast & District Rugby Union executive, the QRU and ARU, and they are fully supportive of an integrated system that provides greater access to not only coaching and training facilities, but also an opportunity for Gold Coast players to reach national level,” said Mr Carey.
Wallaby-in-residence, Mr Greg Cornelsen agreed this partnership presented long-term benefits.
“The best possible opportunity now exists for young aspiring Gold Coast Wallabies. Not only will the amalgamation between Bond University and the Gold Coast Breakers continue to offer Gold Coast rugby players world class coaching it will also offer entry to world class infrastructure.
“The recent acquisition by Bond University of the Centre of Excellence (sic) at Robina coupled with its focus on excellence around sports science will enhance the opportunity for Breakers rugby players, said Mr Cornelsen.
The Bond University Breakers’ first home game will be played this Saturday, March 23, 2013. The Premier Colts play at 1.30pm and the Premier Team kicks off at 3pm.