When Christchurch's Tri-Rugby team was founded in 2020, they dreamed of one day having international fixtures. Now five years on, that's becoming a reality.
"It's a big game.. nice to have a big game on an anniversary weekend," said Brendan Tindall.
The team based out of High School Old Boys' Club in Christchurch will host Australia in a two-match series.
When asked what it will be like to run out against the trans-Tasman rivals, player Josh Christie said:
"Oh, pretty nervous cause I get pretty emotional for my game ... I get involved, put my head down, focus.. don't want to let the fans down."
Since the beginning, the team's grown from half a dozen players to more than 60 at clubs across Christchurch.
"It's fantastic and a great reminder when you put in a bit of effort in and hope momentum brings good things - it does," said coach Pete Chaplin.
"It's nice to see people coming along, enjoying themselves, feeling accepted and being better."
Brendan Tindall, one of the founding players, recently brought up 20 games for Polar Bears and is excited by the challenge ahead.
"I don't want to sound mean.. but if they want to be Bernard Foley, then I'll be Jordie Barret," he joked.
Regardless of the outcome, the series is set to be another special chapter in Tri-Rugby history.
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