Iona Rugby to represent Australia in France
Iona Rugby to represent Australia in France
Iona College is delighted to be accepted as the Australian representative school at the inaugural Rugby Heritage Cup to be held in Pontlevoy, France in the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Commencing on 30 August 2023, this prestigious rugby experience is designed as an U15 Rugby 7’s tournament which will include some 700 players from across the globe. To be eligible, students must be born between 8 September 2008 and 7 September 2010.
Each country who has qualified for the RWC are invited to enter one team, and Iona College is extremely proud to have been accepted as Australia’s representative.
The Organising Committee for RHC2023 initiated a search for Australian teams, with Rugby Australia heavily involved. At this time Iona College was invited by the French Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Jean-Pierre Thébault, to register for the tournament in support of this important inaugural event.
This invitation is intended to further grow positive relations between France and Australia and provides additional opportunities for the Iona community to be immersed within its Oblate French heritage. “Iona and France share in a special bond through St Eugene de Mazenod’s birthplace of Aix-en-Provence and this tournament is an opportunity to share our culture and faith with the wider world,” describes College Rector, Fr Michael Twigg OMI.
Iona College Principal, Mr Trevor Goodwin is “proud to be partnering with the Organising Committee of RHC2023 for this wonderful sporting and cultural occasion. We commit to representing Australia and our values to the wider rugby community to the best of our ability.”
Fr Michael Twigg OMI recognises the value of growing our relationship with both France and rugby through this opportunity. “Our students thrive in moments of significance and express a confidence and humility in representation. Iona is a community that seeks to form young men who make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others. The RHC2023 provides that opportunity well.”
The College will share further news, updates and application processes in the near future and look forward to entering into this exciting opportunity.