With a big personality to match his imposing physique, it’s hard to miss Bond University rugby star and Bachelor of Business graduate Harrison Usher.
As the highly respected front rower comes to the end of his degree, Harrison can look back knowing he made the most of every opportunity since arriving on the Gold Coast as a Sports Leadership Scholar back in 2021. He has packed more into five years than most manage in a decade.
“There’s been hardship juggling study, rugby and work, but it’s been enjoyable,” he says.
“I’m glad to have made it through. It’s definitely gone quickly.”
His journey at Bond began after a disrupted post-school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He finished Year 12 in 2020, earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys Merit Team, and started a double degree at Macquarie University while playing rugby in Sydney.
But the lockdowns took their toll.
“I had mates on the Gold Coast telling me the COVID experience was a bit different up north,” he says.
“I’d always had an eye on Bond, so when [former Bond University Colts coach] Brendan Jones reached out, I jumped at the chance.”
After a two-week stint in quarantine in Broadbeach, Harrison immersed himself in all the university had to offer – on and off the field.
“I was brought up to embrace every opportunity,” he says.
“Being on scholarship and away from home really pushed me out of my shell. Whether it was with the rugby club or the wider university, I just wanted to be involved.”
One of Harrison’s proudest off-field achievements came in the form of a gruelling 60km charity run around Bond’s campus – completed in 24 hours to raise funds for Movember.
“I’d joked with mates the year before that I’d do it, so I had to follow through,” he says. “It was brutal – stress fractures, blisters, chafing – but worth every step. We raised nearly $3000 for men’s mental health.”
Beyond the classroom, the rugby field and ridiculously long charity runs, Harrison has also carved out a unique role for himself as a disability support worker.
A chance conversation with fellow Bond rugby player Dan Boardman opened the door to a job that’s since become a passion.
“I had no idea what support work even was,” Harrison admits. “Dan mentioned it over lunch, and two weeks later I was in. I’ve been doing it now for over two and a half years.”
Harrison works primarily with a quadriplegic client, helping with daily care and activities.
He’s also teamed up with elite wheelchair rugby athlete Lilliana Prucha, one of Bond’s current John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship recipients, and an Australian Steelers representative.
Lilliana Prucha.
Lilliana Prucha.
“Lil and I have become great friends,” he says.
“I help her get to training, run errands, and we’ve spent a lot of time together. It’s really rewarding work.”
On the rugby field, Harrison’s no stranger to the top level. He represented Australia at the Under 20s World Cup and spent several years in Queensland’s academy system.
“Playing for Australia was a 20-year dream come true,” he says. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with my best mates, singing the anthem – it’s hard to describe how special that was.”
Harrison remains ambitious – he makes no secret of a burning desire to play professionally.
“Honestly, I would love to earn myself a contract by the end of the season,” he says.
“I’m not too sure what that looks like yet – whether that will be in Australia or taking an opportunity overseas – but I want to pursue it.”
On the rugby field, Harrison’s no stranger to the top level. He represented Australia at the Under 20s World Cup and spent several years in Queensland’s academy system.
“Playing for Australia was a 20-year dream come true,” he says. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with my best mates, singing the anthem – it’s hard to describe how special that was.”
Harrison remains ambitious – he makes no secret of a burning desire to play professionally.
“Honestly, I would love to earn myself a contract by the end of the season,” he says.
“I’m not too sure what that looks like yet – whether that will be in Australia or taking an opportunity overseas – but I want to pursue it.”
Closer to home, Harrison is focused on a strong season with Bond’s Bull Sharks first-grade Queensland Premier Rugby side. After some early close losses, the team is looking ahead to the second half of the season with high expectations.
“We’ve got the talent and trust to go all the way,” he says. “We’ll be disappointed if we don’t.”
As for what’s next beyond rugby, Harrison isn’t entirely sure. His Bachelor of Business gives him options, but for now he’s firmly focused on his sport and continuing with his support work.
“I’ll see where rugby takes me,” he says. “I’m loving the support work too. There’s no set plan yet. I’m open to whatever comes.”
Published on Wednesday, 18 June, 2025.
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