AURL Squad Finalised for 2017 Universities RL World Cup

Australia is one of the host nations for the 2017 Festival of Rugby League World Cups, with Western Sydney the base for the Universities World Cup which will be held from 5 to 17 July 2017.

The tyranny of distance and the cost of travel and accommodation has resulted in only 4 countries travelling to Australia to compete; England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and together with a team of expatriate students representing the Pacific Islands and the host nation, a total of six teams will vie for the 2017 World Cup honours.

Former NRL coach Matt Elliott is the Coaching Director for the AURL squad and Head Coach is Aaron Zimmerle from Tweed Heads Seagulls. Aaron has previously coached the Queensland (Cup) Residents team and the Canadian National Team. He is being assisted by Grant Stephensen who successfully coached the AURL team to victory in the 2013 World Cup in Leeds England.

The team will head to Kiama on 1 July for a 4 day training camp before travelling to Sydney on 5 July where it will be based in Parramatta for the duration of the tournament.

The Australian Team will play three pool matches:

Friday 7 July Vs England at St Marys Stadium – Kick off 6.45pm
Sunday 9 July Vs Pacific Islands at Windsor Sporting Complex – Kick off 4.00pm
Wednesday 12 July Vs Ireland at New Era Stadium Cabramatta – Kick off 2.00pm

The semi-finals will be played Friday 14 July at Ringrose Park Wentworthville (1st match at 1.00pm 2nd at 3.00pm) and the final at Pepper Stadium Penrith on Sunday 16 July, kick off 4.15pm.

For details of all pool games and tournament updates click here

The Australian Team is as follows:

Jamie Anderson – Ed’n in Building

Saeed Annewetey – QUT

Kelly Benson – Kingscliffe TAFE

Ryan Cameron – Uni Qld

David Fauonuku – Macley College

Myles Fowler – UNSW

Sam Gee – RTB

Jarrod Lee – Uni Sthn Qld

Seamus Leyland – Uni Canberra

Jorden Mose – West Syd U