As the sole representative of Mount Isa on the 2016 Dyno Nobel Queensland Outback Barbarians tour, Tom Robertson is pleased with his overseas effort.
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Robertson was one of thirty players from outback Queensland chosen for the Outback Barbarians invitation team, keen to take the Australian game and the international spirit of rugby union to North America.
This was the second year Robertson had been selected for the Barbarians team and said it was something to be proud of.
“It was an enjoyable trip. I knew a few of the blokes from last tour and everyone bonded quite well,” he said.
“The team played really well considering we barely knew each other until the day we flew out.”
The eight game tour saw Robertson play six teams from Canada and two from the United States of America.
The Outback Barbarians were undefeated on the tour beating Capilano Rugby Club 26 to 7, Comox Valley Kickers 64 to 5, Banff Bears 83 to 7, Edmonton Clansmen 104 to 10, Red Dear Titans 53 to 7, Calgary Canucks 72 to 7, Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club 99 to 0 and Eugene Stags 74 to 0.
Robertson said some of the teams weren't quite what Barbarians were expecting.
“The hardest game was against Vancouver (Capilano Rugby Club), they were a tough opponent and being our first game together the Barbarian players barely knew each other's name,” he said.
“My favourite game was against Chuckanut Bay. I scored my only try and got man of the match.”
My favourite game was against Chuckanut Bay. I scored my only try and got man of the match.
- Tom Robertson
Robertson said he had already been asked to attend the tour in 2018 but he was still undecided as it is too far away.
Meanwhile, Robertson was elected the president of Mount Isa Rugby Union Club, and will pull the boots on this upcoming season for his local rugby team, Warrigals.