AFTER sunny and warm conditions on Saturday, light rain Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the 850 boys and girls from 42 teams who had travelled from as far as the Sunshine Coast and the NSW Southern Highlands for the 11th annual TAS Rugby Carnival.
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A new initiative was the Spirit of Rugby Relay, a spectacle watched by 1000 supporters.
The only time during the carnival when all teams are competing on the one field, the event comprised four runners from each team, with Ambrose Treacey College Blue team (formerly Nudgee Junior College) winning.
TAS Director of Co-Curricular Will Caldwell said the carnival has always been about young people “having fun, experiencing rugby and meeting people in a carnival atmosphere”.
“Junior boy and girl rugby enthusiasts and their supporters come together in a spirit of goodwill and camaraderie, to share in all that is good about rugby and develop relationships both within and across teams,” he said.
Among others attending the carnival in private capacities were Australian Rugby Union president David Crombie and tennis great Tony Roche, both supporting grandsons from the sidelines.
Team of the Carnival was Matthew Flinders Anglican College of Buderim. Gordon Highlanders won first division, Waverley College Blue second division, and Cranbrook School took out third division.
The real winner was the spirit of the game, Caldwell said.
More TAS carnival photos and story in tomorrow’s Leader.