Nudgee welcomes back Wallaby



27 Jul 10 @ 12:41pm by Michael Whiting








NUDGEE: When James O’Connor returned to Nudgee College last Thursday, it was no normal old boy coming back to his former stamping ground.

O’Connor, with fellow Wallaby Saia Faingaa and Australian women’s sevens player Iliseva Batibasaga, visited the school as part of the Australian Rugby Union’s Promoting Values in Sport Forum.

Year 6 and 7 students from Nudgee, Padua College and Yeronga State High School packed Nudgee’s new Tierney Auditorium for the 90-minute visit.
O’Connor, who turned 20 earlier this month, was mobbed by the youngsters who wanted autographs and a quick chat with the outside back.
The trio spoke about being role models and encouraged students about the importance of values in sport and life.
They emphasised the values underpinning their lives and the team.
These included pride, heritage, sportsmanship, respect and honour as well as setting high standards.
It was only three years ago that O’Connor was running around Ross Oval playing his heart out for the Nudgee First XV, showing off his skills.
He has since played for the Western Force and Australia, winning his 17th cap in Saturday night’s 30-13 Tri Nations win over South Africa in Brisbane.



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