Mudgee Wombats are well represented in the Central West Rugby Union tour to New Zealand with Helen Blackmore another selected for the squad.
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Blackmore who won best back, best and fairest, top point scorer and shared Wombats’ woman of the year with Rita Palm last year, says she never imagined getting the opportunity to play overseas.
“I couldn’t believe it at first, I was so excited,” Helen said.
“I didn’t think it would be possible especially travelling overseas to play.”
2018 was the first season of rugby for Helen and found that she loved the game.
After playing my first season of contact rugby I realised the passion I had for the game.
- Helen Blackmore
“Only playing my first season of rugby last year and not having any other sporting background, I have the privilege to play for the central west for the first time.”
Her entire rugby journey began alongside Rita Palm, and couldn’t believe both of their names were read out for the tour.
“When the names were announced I was speechless,” Blackmore said.
“But nothing made me happier to also hear Rita’s name as well as we have started this rugby journey together from the beginning.”
As part of the tour Blackmore will have the opportunity to work with the Super Rugby outfit, the Canterbury Crusaders.
Blackmore says he has a couple of things she would like to gain from training alongside the Crusaders.
I know the competition is going to be tough but I feel this experience will only make me grow as a player.
“Hopefully I will bring back some more skills to take into the country championships in June.”
Mudgee’s David Jessiman and Alex Saint will also tour New Zealand with CWRU.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
