Notre Dame Crusaders prepare for 2011 fit-ta Laffan Cup

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney-based Rugby Team, The Crusaders, is preparing for a bumper season in 2011 by competing at this year’s fi-ta Laffan Cup: University Rugby Club Challenge. The Crusaders are hungry to get their hands back on Laffan Cup silverware since their win as inaugural Plate Champions in 2009.The Cup sees University teams from all over the Eastern States come together annually for a one day varsity rugby festival. This year the competition will be held at the University of Western Sydney (UWS), Hawkesbury on 19 March.The Laffan Cup is the brainchild of UWS committee members Chris Hicks and John Mullinger. “Inter varsity rugby is one of the great things about going to University, but until we started running the Laffan Cup as a pre season event there was no real opportunity for University rugby clubs to come together and play each other,” said Mr Mullinger.The 2011 Laffan Cup will feature 12 Teams and will also double as a trial for the Australian Universities XV to play New Zealand Universities and Combined Australian Services later in the year. Australian Universities Rugby Union President Trevor Walsh was glowing in his praise of the Laffan Cup and the participation of the Notre Dame Crusaders.“For decades Australian Rugby has been built upon the strength, talent and passion inherent in the universities of Australia. All over Australia university rugby clubs are doing a fantastic job in responding to the changes in the Australian tertiary education sector and continuing to provide outstanding rugby development opportunities for students.”The Laffan Cup is named after Matt Laffan an inspirational figure in Australian rugby. Matt was born with diastrophic dysplasia, which twisted his spine and caused his very short stature. A graduate of St John’s College and The University of Sydney, from 1996 Matt was a serving member of the New South Wales Rugby Judiciary. In 2001 Matt was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by the Commonwealth Government for his contribution to Rugby. Matt will be long remembered in rugby circles for his courage, tenacity, and all round good nature. All players interested in playing for the Notre Dame Crusaders should contact Mark Yum on 0415 328 161 or via email myum@ndrugby.com.au. New players are always welcome to experience the mateship and culture which makes the Notre Dame Crusaders and all Australian University Rugby Clubs just that little bit special in 2011. Media Contact: Moira Saunders (+61) 2 8204 440