Haberfield Public School, NSW, Australia

 Timana Tahu meets with children from Haberfield PS

When the bell struck 3pm at Haberfield Public School, hundreds of children ran out to meet Wallaby, Waratah and West Harbour player Timana Tahu, who was there to promote Try Rugby.

Players from West Harbour junior club, who also attend Haberfield, were invited to have a kick-around with the star rugby player.

The day was organised by the Australian Rugby Union to promote Try Rugby with junior players who have little or no experience in the game.

Tahu said it was a very important program to increase youngsters’ skills and wished he had the program when growing up.

“I would have liked a program like this when I was young because it focuses on developing the kids’ skills which will only make them more confident and better players,” Tahu said.

“It’s very important because the rules we have now are a bit confusing to kids, but this program will help them and not confuse them and they will learn and gain a lot of experience out of it.”

Junior rugby player of four years, Matthew McCrea, 10, said he was excited to meet Tahu and learn a few new skills.

“I have tried a few other sports but I really enjoy rugby and Timana is a great player and I like the Wallabies,” Matthew said.

Despite having a long list of students fighting for Tahu’s autograph, he said he loved coming out and visiting the kids.

“It’s good for kids to see their idols come out and teach them a few things and it makes them more confident, they think, if he can do it I can too,” Tahu said.