Milestone anniversary motivation for Wallabies showdown with All Blacks

On the eve of the Wallabies v All Blacks Test on the opposition’s home soil Saturday night, past Queensland Reds players who enjoyed history-making victory over the New Zealanders will reminisce, as well as generously give back to the community.

Members of the Vintage Reds will return to the place where victory was achieved and remember the amazing feats displayed on the field 30 years ago when the Reds defeated the All Blacks 9-3 – the only provincial side to accomplish such a feat.

It’s no coincidence that many of the players who were a part of that historic side are members of the Vintage Reds group that generously support local charities – including the Spinal Injuries Association. The group generously raised funds for the state-based organisation at two of their events earlier this year – a luncheon in February and golf day at Hope Island in April, and tomorrow at Ballymore they will present the Association with the funds from those events.

The Association will also be one of the main beneficiaries of funds raised from a Vintage Reds Luncheon later this month (27 August) that will celebrate the 30 year reunion of the 1980 Queensland victory over the All Blacks.

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the continued support of the Vintage Reds was appreciated by the organisation’s 2,000 members and clients throughout Queensland.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Queensland’s victory over the All Blacks,” Mr Henley said.

“And, best of luck to the Wallabies this Saturday – as the 1980 team demonstrated, victory over the All Blacks isn’t elusive; we know they can do it.”

Issued 5 August.