The Melbourne Chargers team will be led by Head Coach, Bryon Marshall again this season as they prepare for the 2023 Pride Cup match against Monash University on the weekend.
It’s shaping up to be a busy year for the Chargers in the Championship and beyond. Marshall is looking to continue the successes of the 2022 Bingham Cup campaign in Ottawa, where the team won five of their six matches and came Runners-up for the Bingham Bowl.
This year, Marshall is joined by Iain Abbott and Ash Unicomb, both veteran Chargers players and part of the winning 2016 Bingham Cup team.
Asked about the team Marshall said, “The most heart I’ve ever seen in a team. They had a tough but competitive season last year, took those lessons and really put it together in Canada.”
While the preseason started well, a series of injuries has led to a difficult start to the Home and Away season.
The first round against Eltham last week was a rough day at the office, but the team fought hard right through to the 80 minute mark proving their resilience and spirit. Needless to say, this week’s training will be crucial in learning the lessons from this match.
Last season the Chargers came within striking distance of a win against Monash University, so the team is hungry for a good contest against them at this weekend’s Pride Cup at home.
Coach Ash Unicomb reflects on the importance of Pride Cup, “Pride Cup sends a message that everyone belongs in rugby and also belongs in the broader community. As a young rugby player coming to terms with my own sexuality, the torment I felt not knowing if I belonged forced me to walk away from sport.”
“Pride Cup shows that people who may be going through that do belong and should feel safe. And hopefully also educates those who may be naive and holding onto their prejudices”
Looking ahead, Marshall is keeping an eye on the fact that the Chargers will have a quick succession of tours within the next 12 months – Purchas Cup in Perth during September this year, and the Bingham Cup in Rome, May 2024.
As always, recruitment and fundraising efforts will keep players and volunteers very busy.
Article courtesy of Peter Ryan, Melbourne Chargers
The 2023 Pride Cup kicks-off at Orrong Romanis Reserve, Prahran on Saturday 6 May.
2023 Pride Cup – Festival of Rugby
Field 1
12:00 PM Women’s XV v Melbourne University
1:35 PM Chargers XV v Monash University (live stream)
3:15 PM Men’s 1st XV v Melbourne University (live stream)
Field 2
12:00 PM Men’s 3rd XV v Melbourne University
1:35 PM Men’s 2nd XV v Melbourne University
3:15 PM Colts v Melbourne University
Follow live scores on the Rugby Xplorer App » click here
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