'Cliffie' donates his Test jersey against England for Prairiewood
November 14, 2008 - 6:21pm
Story by: ARU
Qantas Wallabies backrower Wycliff Palu has joined the fund-raising campaign to help send the First XV from Sydney’s battling Prairiewood High School to the World Youth Rugby tournament in Japan next April.
Palu has revealed in an exclusuive video story on www.rugby.com.au that he is donating for auction his Test jersey from this weekend’s Twickenham showdown with England in a bid to further boost the Prairiewood High coffers.
The school, where many families have been touched by hardship, needs to raise $70,000 to send the team to Japan.
Australian Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Union opened the funds drive last week with donations of $10,000 each and further support has also been forthcoming as the corporate and Rugby communities seek to assist the project.
“Prairiewood High is in Sydney’s south west and it’s an area where rugby is still growing,” said Palu.
“They really need our support to help get behind these boys and send them to Japan.
“I’d like to donate my Test jersey (to be worn) against England this weekend – signed by all the players – so it can be auctioned off.”
Prairiewood High is a success story of the code, having taken up Rugby only eight years ago.
In recent seasons they have provided representative players to the Combined High Schools, NSW Schoolboys and Australian Under 19 teams, and have also reached the final of the statewide Waratah Shield knockout.
In recognition of their rapid development, the Australian Schools Rugby Union nominated Prairiewood High for the World Youth tournament where teams from New Zealand, South Africa, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Tonga, Korea and Japan will also compete.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Prairiewood High campaign can contact Robert Benetel at the School on 0414 194 171.
Donations can also be made by depositing money into the Prairiewood High School Rugby Tour account.
BSB Number 012 074
Account Number 140 186 521
