Wallabies harnessing magic of the NT on the way to the Rugby World Cup

The mighty Wallabies will be making a stop in the Top End from 10-14 August 2023 in a bid to boost their chances of success at the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

As well as taking part in community engagement activities in Darwin, the players will journey to East Arnhem Land for the chance to prepare and connect as a team in one of Australia’s most spiritual and inspiring locations.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones went on a similar pre-World Cup training camp to East Arnhem Land with the Wallabies 20 years ago and saw the difference the experience made to the team. From the physical element of training in the heat for added stamina, to the spiritual experience of engaging with the local Yolngu residents, their culture and their history, the experience was extremely powerful for the team, who went on to reach the World Cup final.

Jones is hoping the experience can produce a similar result for the 2023 squad, who will be able to recharge and connect at a deeper level, and take the after-effects of their uplifting experience with them to France.

“The Northern Territory is the perfect location for our team to prepare for the Rugby World Cup,” he said.

“Our time in the Top End will allow us to learn about the history of our country while shaping the future for Australian Rugby by working hard and building connections on and off the field.

“We’re looking forward to working hard in what’s a mini preseason for us in a perfect setting, while spending quality time with the local communities.”

The Wallabies visit sees the Territory involved in Australia’s Green and Gold decade.

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop said the Territory is the perfect destination for such an important pre-tournament trip.

“It is exciting to know the Territory will play a part in our great Wallabies getting in the right mindset for the Rugby World Cup, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world,” she said.

“The Territory, and Arnhem Land in particular, are truly like nowhere else on earth. The connection visitors experience here, with country, culture and each other, is indescribable. Experiences people have in the Territory tend to stay with them for a long time, as was the case with the Wallabies team who visited two decades ago.

“Now it is the turn of a new Wallabies crew to experience the magic, and take a little of it to France with them for the Rugby World Cup.”

While in East Arnhem Land, the players will also take part in community engagement initiatives, including coaching clinics and skills sessions with schools and youth groups.