Tamworth's reputation for punching above its weight in a sporting sense has been enhanced after it was announced that the NSW Waratahs will play a Super Rugby match in the city next season.
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The news that NSW will play their first ever Super Rugby game in Tamworth followed this week's announcement that Wests Tigers will return to the city next season to play an NRL game against 2019 grand finalists Canberra.
Scully Park will host both clashes.
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It is unknown at this stage who the Waratahs will play and when they will play, with the 2020 Super Rugby draw to be released later this month.
NSW have previously only ever played trial games in Tamworth.
The decision to bring the Super Rugby circus to Tamworth has been billed as showing support for drought-weary communities.
This is fantastic for Tamworth and the wider region.
- Kevin Anderson
The Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said the move was "fantastic for Tamworth and the wider region".
"It will be a match that will uplift a community that is, like all of regional NSW, struggling through one of the worst droughts on record," he said.
"I want to thank Wests Entertainment Group and its CEO Rod Laing for all the work they have done to assist [in getting] this game of world-class rugby to Tamworth.
"I also want to thank the Tahs for showing their support to the people of regional and rural NSW."
The NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, said the opportunity to cheer on NSW would give Tamworthians a boost.
He said: "The televised match will showcase regional NSW before an international audience. But more importantly, boost the local economy when the players, support staff and fans come to town."
"It goes to show the resilience of regional NSW, when despite this devastating drought, Tamworth will stage a world-class event and generate tourism opportunities for our regions far and wide."
