Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s recent visit to the College was part of Newington’s ongoing commitment to growth in our students and staff, writes Director of Rugby, Mr Ben Herring. 

It was an honour to welcome Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to Newington last week. Joe delivered a 45-minute training session with our senior players, and a masterclass with coaches, not just in what to coach, but in how to coach. Following the field session, Joe spent time with coaches and answered questions on how to improve as educators and mentors. Importantly, the coaches present represented not only Newington’s Rugby program, but coaches across every sporting code offered at our College, along with coaches from other GPS schools who attended to learn and collaborate.  

This initiative aligns strongly with the pillars of Newington Rugby, creating meaningful pathways for both players and coaches, while strengthening our connection with the wider GPS rugby community. At Newington, we believe relationships and connection are central to the game of rugby. We pride ourselves on playing with intensity and purpose in competition, but when the opportunity arises to collaborate, learn, and build together, we aim to lead the way in fostering a positive and connected GPS community; rugby is a values-based game, and fostering shared growth across schools is something we deeply value. 

During Joe’s visit to Newington, it was particularly pleasing to see the character of our students on display. They approached the session with focus, humility, and determination in the presence of the Australian coach, and were each a credit to themselves, and the College. We are privileged to host enriching development opportunities such as this and are extremely grateful to Joe for his generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience.  

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To find out more about Joe’s visit and rugby at Newington, read our blogs ‘Meet Joe Schmidt – players and coaches to learn from the best‘ and ‘Rugby runs through our veins’.