Brumbies v Lions

It's here

I’m nervous. Haven’t slept well and I’m trying to figure out why.

Obviously, today’s a big one. The Brumbies are playing the Lions here in Canberra, and The Dock is hosting a fanzone.

It should be fun and possibly our biggest day ever (Q&As with past players, a pie-eating contest, singing practice, live music etc), and we’ve got over 450 people confirmed so far. Which is awesome.

But I think I’m nervous because so much time and effort has gone into today, that I just want it to be memorable for the fans, and we raise some decent coin for community rugby.

Planning started almost 3 years ago, when someone from the ACT Government brought the Lions travel organisers to the Dock, who where in Canberra scoping it out for the upcoming tour.

And if I’m honest, I’ve never put this much time and thought into an event! Even more than my wedding! Hahahaha (don’t tell Jen)

And it’s not just been me. There’s been a group of us planning this for months in our spare time, trying to make today memorable, and show people just how much the rugby community cares.

It’s no secret the game’s been on its knees here in Australia. And I think one of the reasons so many people have helped prep for today is because they love rugby and know how special a Lions visit is.

There’s also the emotional stuff from what happened 12 years ago that might be causing the nerves. Memories from the last Lions tour are starting to bubble up. But I think those will come back properly once the Tests start.

But today is about celebrating what my teammates did 12 years ago in becoming the first Aussie state side to beat the Lions in 40 years.

I’ve never been so proud of a team I didn’t play in (was in Brisbane prepping for the first Test) and a bunch of those teammates are back in town today, and getting to host them at The Dock is special.

But regardless of how today goes (and shit will go wrong), I’ll sleep well tonight knowing we did everything we could to make today a success.

Now I just hope we hit our fundraising target and that the Brumbs dig deep.

Which they will, but it’s a big challenge. Probably bigger than 12 years ago as the Lions have picked their strongest side and not underestimating the smallest, but proudest, rugby region in the country.

Rugby’s given me so much. I just hope today, I get to give something back.

Go Brumbies.