The St.George Queensland Reds will hit the road next month for the third iteration of the hugely successful Reds to Regions tour.
The pre-season squad will split into 14 separate groups to visit 33 regional centres around the state from Wednesday 24 November to Friday 26 November, continuing to connect with the state after the popular tours of previous years.
For the first time, a number of Vintage Reds will accompany the current squad on the tour, with Queensland and Wallaby legends including James Horwill, Peter Slattery, Elton Flatley and Garrick Morgan joining the three-day expedition.
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Airlie Beach, Biloela, Inglewood, Dirranbandi, Kingaroy and Nanango will be visited for the first time, with Reds partners Santos, St.George, Alliance Airlines and Belbaker Bus Charter proudly supporting the initiative.
Players will once again visit schools and Rugby clubs, billet with families and perform manual labour as the squad strengthens their connection with the entire state of Queensland.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s great Reds to Regions is back for a third time.
“We first did it in 2019. It was important for us to reconnect with regional Queensland communities. Genuine connections were made, so we went back to those towns a year later to show it wasn't just a one off.
"This time we've decided to split the players up and visit different communities, but the reason why we're doing it remains the same - it's about giving back to the people of Queensland.
"If you’re going to play your state, it’s important to know who you're playing for every time you wear that maroon jersey.
“We're excited for next month and we can't wait to get back out there again," said Thorn.
Former Reds captain Horwill said: “It’s a great opportunity to connect with the state of Queensland.
“It’s something we spoke about when we were playing, you’re based in South-East Queensland and most of guys are from around that area, but you represent a whole state.
“It’s important to get out and see people in regional areas and also connect with the current crop of players which is an exciting initiative and good to be a part of.”
In another first, the initiative will also incorporate a bus tour around the South-East corner which will see players come together to travel to centres around the Sunshine Coast and South-Burnett regions.
2022 Queensland Reds Memberships go on sale this Monday 11 October, with Full Season and Flexi Memberships available. Go to reds.rugby for more information.
Reds to Regions Towns and Centres
Airlie Beach Barcaldine Beaudesert Biloela Burdekin Bundaberg Cairns Caloundra Charters Towers Cherbourg Dirranbandi Emerald Eumundi Gladstone Goondiwindi Gympie Ingham Inglewood Innisfail Kingaroy Longreach Mackay Maleny Nambour Nanango Noosa Rockhampton Rolleston St George Toowoomba Townsville Warwick Woorabinda
