The Classic Wallabies put on a spectacle to remember in Moree on Saturday, and while there was much hype surrounding the highly-anticipated match against the Central North Barbarians, the day was more about celebrating the rugby community and giving back to fans at a grassroots level, according to Classic Wallabies general manager Justin Harrison.
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"Engaging with rural Australian has been the lifeblood of rugby for a long time," he said.
"A lot of these guys have come and supported us at test matches for years, so we're here to throw an arm around them.
"I'm blown away with the crowd and the support we've received."
Up to 2,000 people from across the Central North region, as well as visitors from all over NSW and Queensland, flocked to Moree's Weebolla Oval on Saturday for an unforgettable day of rugby.
"We've seen nothing but smiling faces and heard nothing but laughter, and that's most pleasing," Harrison said.
"The day's about lifetime supporters mixing with lifetime executors of rugby. There's been nothing but enjoyment.
"It's a fantastic example of how rugby brings people together."
The day kicked off with a coaching clinic for juniors, which saw about 100 boys and girls learn skills from some of the game's greats.
"Kids out here don't get the opportunity to see Wallabies up close and personal, so for them to have that interaction and experience is a great, positive outcome for junior rugby," Moree Rugby Union Club president Paul King said.
The opening match of the day saw the Darling Downs take down the Central West Barbarians 42-7, before The Southport School (TSS) dominated their country schoolboy rugby rivals Toowoomba Grammar School 48-0.
"[That match] reflects that there's still great energy and positivity around rugby at school level," Harrison said.
"We're not pleased with what's happening at a high performance level, but schoolboy rugby and community rugby is still there and going strong. It doesn't stop them from coming and supporting the future of rugby."
The Classic Wallaroos then took centre stage to claim a hard-fought 17-7 victory against some of Central North's up-and-coming women.
Harrison said it's great to have the women involved in the day and acknowledge the contributions women have made to the game of rugby, particularly in recent years with the Australian women's sevens winning Olympic gold in 2016.
"This gives the opportunity to celebrate the Classic Wallaroos that have pioneered the sport before them," he said.
Finally, the Classic Wallabies put on a thrilling performance against the Central North Barbarians in the showcase match.
Central North gave the Classics a run for their money, with both sides taking turns to lead the score throughout the match. Moree's Josh Walker and Nathan Ebbett both crossed the line for the green and gold, helping the Classic Wallabies secure the close 38-33 victory.
Harrison said it was a close spectacle, and joked about his own performance during the match.
"What you would describe as a rugby game is completely different to what I did out there," he laughed.
"My tackles were more like man hugs. But it was just good to be playing with people I haven't seen for 10 years and great to share that job with people I've never met before in rural Australia.
"The level of experience from our part is watered down ... it's more a celebration of all different corners of rugby coming together."
King said many of the Classics were impressed with how strong the Central North side was.
"It was a free-flowing game of football which was fantastic to watch," he said.
"James Kahl [Central North referee] did a fantastic job refereeing.
"That's what it was all about - providing a spectacular game of rugby."
King said on the whole it was a fantastic day and one the community will remember for a long time to come.
"Everyone I've spoken to thoroughly enjoyed the day; it was a great thing for the community," he said.
"Some of the players said it was a great weekend and something they'll never forget. I'm glad to provide an opportunity for everyone to see that."
And with the drought taking its toll on the community, King said the day was even more important as a fun, social day out for people to take their minds off the farm or business.
"It gave everyone a real boost," he said.
"It provided an opportunity to catch up and socialise and be entertained by a great game of football."
The Moree club were also big winners from the day, sharing in 50 per cent of the profits - including the auction of Lote Tuqiri's, Mat Rogers' and Brian Mansfield's jerseys, as well as a Central North Barbarians jersey signed by both sides, which raised about $5,000 all up - with the Classic Wallabies.
"It demonstrates to our sponsors what we're capable of," King said.
"For us as a club, it's a massive confidence boost."
