Tour putting ASRU on world map
Cross country goes down to wire

CDF LTGEN Peter Cosgrove throws the ball to ASRU’s CPOCIS Andrew Bertoncin, CPL James Hood, CAPT Pete Conroy and coach WGCMDR Graham King.

Photo: SGT Sybelle Foxcroft

By Dan Wheelahan

The Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) squad has arrived in Canada for a five-match tour of Canada and the United States.

Navy’s front rower CPOCIS Andrew Bertoncin, Hooker LEUT Darryn Thomson, lock LSSN Jason Harrington, fullback LS Chris Bohan, five-eighth POATA Andrew Thorpe, Winger LSATA Jason Cook and halfback ABMT Adam Green are part of the 27- man tri-service squad.

The team will play five games in 16 days with the first against Pacific Pride, Victoria (effectively the Canadian U23s), on October 8.

Strong interest is expected from the local rugby and Defence communities during the tour with Fox Sports USA expected to broadcast a number of the matches.

ASRU coach, Wing Commander Graham King, said: “This tour will provide a great opportunity for ASRU to work on combinations and continue to build its strength prior to its entry into any higher level competition sponsored by the Australian Rugby Union.”

The squad took part in a preparation camp at Randwick Barracks, Sydney prior to their departure on October 4.

Leading the 2004 tour is former Wallaby, Brigadier Bob Brown.

Match results will be available on the ASRU web site: www.servicesrugby.asn.au/ and Navy News will also keep you up to date. Match schedule:

• October 8 - Pacific Pride, Victoria BC Canada
• October 12 - US Naval Academy, Annapolis USA.
• October 16 - Washington Rugby Footbal Club, Washington, USA
• October 20 - Las Vegas Blackjacks, University of Nevada, USA.
• October 23 - Back Bay Rugby Football Club, Newport, USA.

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