Nottingham Outlaw Chris McNamara has been selected to represent the Great Britain Students Down under in a three match test series against the Australian Universities this summer.
Studying at Loughborough, McNamara is hoping to help his team lift the Academic Ashes that the British side last won in 2002.
McNamara said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to play against the Australians and to do so on tour Down Under makes it even more special.”
“It won’t be easy, they beat us in both tests over here last year and that was in the awful weather that we experienced last winter, this time it will be on their own soil and in temperatures much hotter than what we’re used to playing in”. This is McNamara’s first time representing GB and he does so after playing for Wales in the students home nations this Easter. After gaining man of the match in the final game against Ireland, McNamara was called up to the GB set up by coach and ex pro Paul Fletcher (also Leeds Met RL coach).
Former Doncaster winger, McNamara said: “We’ve got a good squad though and most of our players play in the Championship or at Academy level so we’re really confident that this is the year we can do it.”
The Great Britain Students will play test matches in Darwin, Brisbane and Cairns as well as facing the Northern Territories representative team. The tour departs on June 23 and returns on July 14.
“Each of us has to raise a £1500 contribution, adds McNamara, and as we’re all in full time education it’s a tough ask.
“Whenever we’re not studying we’re in the gym or on the training field, it doesn’t leave much time for anything else. I’m hoping to find a personal sponsor to make a donation to help me raise this money.”
“I am looking for a personal sponsor where £300 would get the company name in all match day programmes along with having a photo of the team with their company name framed. I would be happy to do any extra work to push my personal sponsor as I would be so appreciative as the money would open this door to me, and it would be a trip of a lifetime”. “ I am also selling raffle tickets for the chance to be the main sponsor of the trip and have the company name/logo on the playing shirt”.
If any local businesses or sponsors would like to support Chris McNamara, please contact: c.mcnamara-10@student.lboro.ac.uk. With all the games played being shown on Australian television channels, there will be lots of publicity around the matches.
For further information about the Great Britain Academic Lions RL or the tour itself please contact matt.jeffery@rfl.uk.com
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