Georgia to learn the way of the Samurai

Georgia Grey created the perfect dinner party story when she won the Australian Club Championship with the Bull Sharks in her first game of 15s rugby.

And now she has the chance to top that with a world-first after being invited to play for the “Harlem Globetrotters” of international rugby, the travelling UK-based Samurai RFC when the famous Hong Kong 10s hosts its inaugural women’s tournament later this month.

It will be her first appearance in 10s rugby, and she is hoping that beginner’s luck follows her to Hong Kong.

“The club championship was my introduction to 15-a-side rugby and we lifted a cup so that was pretty cool,” she said.

“It was a really great experience, obviously as a team to have some success, but also for me to learn a bit about 15s rugby ahead of the Premier Rugby season for Bond.  

“Having played a lot of 7s there was certainly aspects of the game that were very familiar to me, but there was also a lot that was different that I’m still working out.

“I have never played 10s before either, I don’t know what to expect from that.’’

The Bond University Sports management student joins players from around the world including some of Australia’s brightest young talent in the invitation-only Samurais squad that will compete against HKFC Natixis Ice, the Hong Kong premiership league champions, Japanese champions the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix, and the Ashbury Topics from the UK.

“For me it is just the opportunity to travel to an international tournament and there will be some of the best players from around the world there," she said.

"This gives me international experience and exposure.

"And it is special that its the first time a women's event will be held there.'' 

In addition to experiencing all formats of rugby, Grey is also getting a taste of multiple positions. 

She lined-up on a wing in her first game of 15s for the Bull Sharks, plays in the forward line in 7s and admits she isn’t too sure what to expect from 10s. 

“I don’t really know what the positions are,” she said.

“I imagine I will play somewhere in the forwards because in 7s I play any of the forward positions. 

“In my first game for the Bull Sharks they put me on the wing but I think the coaches put me there to get an understanding of the game because I am still trying to understand the rules, the positions, the terminology.

“So, it is all a learning curve.

“But I have been enjoying it a lot, I have met heaps of new people and the support at the rugby club and academically is really amazing. Living on campus is really enjoyable also.’’