Uni-Norths Owls won the first-ever Andy Muirhead Shield ahead of the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies fixture against the Crusaders last Friday at GIO Stadium.
The sevens tournament, which was part of the club’s First Nations Round, took place on the field of play between under-15 teams from Uni-Norths Owls, Canberra Royals and Canberra Grammar.
There was a host of other activity on the night to celebrate Indigenous people, including a smoking ceremony hosted by Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation and welcome to country from Indigenous elder Warren Daley.
Matthew Sonter, who is on the First Nations Advisory board for Rugby Australia, praised the Brumbies for their efforts in marking their First Nations Round.
“This was an amazing community-driven event, from the Andy Muirhead Shield to the smoking ceremony, the didgeridoo and the transferring of gifts to both captains before kick-off,” Sonter said.
“As an aboriginal person, it’s nice to see our people celebrated in such a positive light.
“I would also like to thank Warren Daly for the amazing welcome to country for everyone in the stadium.”
The Andy Muirhead Shield, named after the ACT Brumbies right wing, who is the only player in this year’s Smartech Super Rugby Pacific to feature in every single minute for their team, will now take place annually during our First Nations Rounds.
Played in the spirit of reconciliation, during reconciliation week, the tournament was played between Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people. Uni-Norths won the competition, with their player Emmanuel Allen winning player of the tournament.
Muirhead himself presented the award, who is a role model for all people, not just Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
At half-time, Muirhead’s business Yara Co. hosted a Kick For Cash challenge, giving Adam Barnes, whose son Neville Hancock attends St Edmund’s College, the chance to win $50,000. Unfortunately, both kick attempts missed.
