Protesters force Waratahs to shut gates to captain’s run in Narrabri
The Waratahs and Reds have prevented members of the public in Narrabri from watching their captain’s runs due to “threats of vandalism” from mining protesters ahead of Friday’s trial in rural NSW.
Some of NSW and Queensland’s best rugby players have congregated in the northern NSW town for a three-day rugby festival hosted by Santos, an Australian gas and mining company.
James Ramm steps Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa in Sydney last year.Credit:Getty
The big ticket event of the week is Friday evening’s trial match between Rob Penney and Brad Thorn’s sides before the start of Super Rugby AU on February 19.
Rugby fans were initially invited to watch the Reds at their captain’s run on Thursday morning at Narrabri’s Dangar Park, where roughly 3500 people will gather on Friday and Saturday to watch the two arch-rivals battle it out, as well as a number of sevens matches.
However, the Reds session was then closed to the public and the Waratahs announced shortly after that gates wouldn’t be open for their final hit-out later in the day.
Security ensured everyone who entered for the Reds captain’s run had accreditation.
Santos, who sponsor the Waratahs and Reds, have had people from Narrabri and surrounding areas publicly oppose their gas project in the region.
The Santos Festival of Rugby Facebook page released the following statement.
“Due to threats of vandalism from protesters to the Dangar Park rugby field, we’ve had to close off public access to the captain’s runs,” the post read.
“We share your disappointment and frustration but reassure you that all other ticketed events will remain unchanged at this time.”
The Waratahs shared the same statement on their Instagram story, while a Facebook event labelled “Narrabri Day of Action” is scheduled for Friday.
“Gamilaraay Next Generation call a Day of Action in protest of Santos’ Narrabri Gas Project and the Santos Festival of Rugby,” the event page reads.
“The Santos Coal Seam Gas Project is causing irreversible damage to Gomeroi Country, the Pilliga Forest as well as the Great Artesian Water Basin, the largest and deepest Artesian Basin in the world.
“In approving the Narrabri Gas Project, the NSW and Federal Governments have signed our death certificates.
“Gamilaraay Next Generation condemn the participation of NSW Rugby Union and QLD Rugby in the Santos Festival of Rugby.
“Please stand with us in our fight the protect our Country and Water.”
Former Wallaby David Pocock was arrested in 2014 after he chained himself to a digger in a protest against a coal mine being opened in a forest in northern NSW. The incident occured at Maules Creek coal mine – about a 30-minute drive from Narrabri.
A Waratahs spokesperson confirmed there had been threats of a protest but believed there was nothing to suggest Friday’s match would not go ahead.
A children’s coaching clinic that was initially supposed to be held at Dangar Park has also been moved to another field in the town.
NSW Rugby boss Paul Doorn confirmed earlier this week Santos had become the organisation’s platinum partner.
“Santos are a great supporter of rugby in Australia and we are thrilled to welcome them,” Doorn said. “Their support will extend beyond our NSW Waratahs with the three-year deal also providing a boost to our regional development officers and NSW Country Rugby Union.
“Santos are pioneers of Australian energy and to have an organisation of their calibre on board is a great boost for our sport.”
The Waratahs face the Reds in round one of Super Rugby AU on February 19 at Suncorp Stadium.
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Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald