Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief

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HSBC Waratahs show their support for Tsunami appeal

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Meet the Waratahs at the Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief

Wednesday, 19 January 2005

NSWRU Media Unit

The weight of the HSBC Waratahs is behind this month's Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief and Waratah Fan Day, with the entire squad taking time out of their Super 12 preparations to help raise funds for the victims of the Boxing Day disaster.

The team will be available to meet fans at Concord's Waratah Rugby Stadium on Sunday, January 30, as the cream of Sydney Club Rugby competition go head to head out on the field in the special sevens tournament.

The Sydney Rugby community has banded together at short notice to organise the key components of the day, with the draw now being circulated to all Sydney premiership clubs.

And the involvement of the Waratahs, so close to the start of the Super 12 season, is expected to draw an even bigger crowd than earlier anticipated.

"We'll be doing everything we can to help out," Waratah captain Chris Whitaker said.

"We'll be out amongst the crowd with buckets, selling raffle tickets and collecting donations, signing autographs and in general, just being accessible to fans," he added.

NSW Rugby Chief Executive Fraser Neill says having the players on board is an added bonus for what's already shaping up to be a big day.

"We thought from the start that (the sevens) would be massive," said Neill.

"But having the guys on hand to meet with the fans, to help raise much needed funds for those struggling to put their lives back together, is a real shot in the arm for the Sydney Sevens."

A number of items will be raffled off over the course of the day, including hampers and signed Waratahs gear. However, the highlight of the fundraising effort will be the auctioning of the chance to play alongside a number of Waratah and Wallaby legends in a special celebrity touch football match, to be played before the start of the final.

While the full line-ups are being kept under wraps, Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie, and Forwards Coach Steve Tuynman are both confirmed starters.

The former state and national representatives say they're looking forward to getting back out in the middle.

"My Achilles is just about right, I'm ready and raring to go," McKenzie said.

Said Tuynman: "What better excuse is there for pulling the boots on once again, than raising money for such a worthy cause?"

More big names will be announced in coming days.

The Waratahs aren't the only ones giving their backing to the Sydney Sevens for Tsunami relief, with a number of sponsors and supporters quick to get on board.

They include:

• Canada Bay Council
  

• Masterfoods
• Fairfax Publications
• West Harbour Rugby Union Club
• Win Security
• Collex
  
• Big Sister Laundry
  

2004 Tooheys New Cup premier Randwick face West Harbour in the first match of the day at 10am, with the Quarters at 2:40 and the semis at half past four. The final will be played at the conclusion of the celebrity match, at 6.05pm.

Waratah Captain Chris Whitaker says a minimum $5 donation at the gate will buy much more than a full day of entertainment.

"This is a special opportunity for people to catch a traditional rugby carnival, while at the same time contributing to the Tsunami appeal. Australians have been so generous so far, I'm sure that spirit of generosity will be on show at the Sydney Sevens."

nsw rugby

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Ella brothers to star at Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief

January 28, 2005 - 4:22pm

Story by: NSWRU

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The Ella brothers who will take part in

Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief this Sunday

The Ella brothers will resume their legendary on-field partnership this Sunday, January 30, lining up against some of the biggest names in Australian Rugby at the Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief and Waratah Fan Day at Waratah Rugby Stadium, Concord.

Twins Mark and Glen, along with younger brother Gary will line up on the same side for the first time in over a decade when they take part in a special celebrity match at 5.30pm.

Joining the Ellas in the "Classics" side will be HSBC Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie and Forwards Coach Steve Tuynman, as well as fellow former internationals Phil Kearns, David Wilson, Gary Pearse and Marty Roebuck.

While the "Legends" side will feature Simon Poidevin, Jason Little, Richard Harry and Peter FitzSimons, along with Waratahs Backs Coach Brian Melrose and Academy Coach Tony D'Arcy.

The teams in full:

• THE CLASSICS
  1. Phil Kearns
  2. Ewen McKenzie
  3. Sam Domoni
  4. Steve Tuynman
  5. David Wilson
  6. Gary Pearse
  7. Mark Ella
  8. Glen Ella
  9. Gary Ella
  10. Mitch Hardy
  11. Paul Cornish
  12. Marty Roebuck
  13. Steve James
  THE LEGENDS
  1. Richard Harry
  2. Peter FitzSimons
  3. Tony D'Arcy
  4. Scott Gourley
  5. Simon Poidevin
  6. Brian Melrose
  7. Tim Wallace
  8. Ken Wright
  9. Jason Little
  10. Brett Papworth
  11. Steve Merrick
  12. James Grant
  13. Andrew Leeds
  

Places alongside the Classics and Legends will be auctioned off, as will a special signed Mat Rogers Wallaby jersey he wore on the recent tour of Europe.

Action will kick off at 10am, with the first pool match between reigning Tooheys New Cup holders Randwick and hosts West Harbour. The Grand Final will immediately follow the Celebrity Fixture.

All Sydney Premiership clubs will be in action, while the HSBC Waratahs will also be available to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos throughout the day.

It's the last public appearance for the side before the start of the super 12 season