“Connecting with families and future families is really important to us.”Mr Lincoln Clapham, Head of Rugby
Last month, Head of Rugby Lincoln Clapham, TGS Old Boys' Association Vice President, Trent Raymond (1989-93) and two Year 11 boarding students, Luke Burrow (2025 First XV Co-captain) and Archie Smart, travelled 11.5 hours west to Longreach to deliver rugby clinics in partnership with the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) and Western Queensland Rugby Union.
The visit was part of a broader initiative to connect with regional families and celebrate the shared love of rugby across Queensland, it proved so much more - a truly fantastic opportunity for everyone who was part of it.
“We’re one of the only regional schools in the GPS competition,” said Mr Clapham. “Many families make the effort to travel in and say g’day to us here at the School, so it’s important we go out and say g’day and visit where they’re from."
The team delivered two clinics, one during LSODE’s cluster week, where students from remote properties come together for face-to-face learning and another for junior players from Western Queensland Rugby Union. Over 100 children attended all told, with some travelling up to three hours each way to participate.
“There’s a real need for rugby in those regions,” Mr Clapham explained. “They don’t have regular access to games or coaching, so for us to go out there - not just as coaches but with young leaders from the School - was a great opportunity to connect and give back.”
For Luke and Archie, both boarders and passionate rugby players, the experience was eye-opening and deeply rewarding. “We got asked to come and I thought it’d be a great opportunity to see some new country and help the Grammar community,” said Luke. “From a boarding perspective, it’s good to expand where our families come from and from a rugby perspective, there’s nothing better than coaching.”
“It was awesome watching the young fellas and girls light up when we were out there. Seeing their smiles and how keen they were to learn was the best part.”Archie Smart, Year 11 Boarder
The boys were struck by the resilience and enthusiasm of the LSODE students. “They’re all bush kids,” said Archie. “It was cool to see how they come together like they go to school every day, even though they’re from all over.” Luke added, “You’d think they were just mates from a regular school."
“They adapt so well when they come in and they’re all great kids.”Luke Burrow, 2025 First XV Co-captain
Mr Clapham said bringing students along was a deliberate choice. “We’re proud of the young men we produce at Toowoomba Grammar School. For two Year 11 boys to jump in the car, travel to Central Queensland, and run clinics for younger kids - it’s important for their development too. It gives them scope and understanding of where our boys come from and the role they play as leaders.”
Beyond the clinics, the group explored Longreach, visiting the Qantas Founders Museum, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and even swimming and fishing in the Thompson River. “We didn’t catch anything,” Archie laughed, “but it was still pretty cool.”
Reflecting on the trip, Mr Clapham said the highlight was seeing the commitment of regional families. “The work rate they put in to get to school, to get to rugby, and still show up with joy and a willingness to learn, that was incredible. And to see our boys connect with that part of the region, to coach, throw the ball around and have fun - it speaks volumes about the kind of young men we’re developing.”
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