What - HSBC Rugby Ambassador 
Where - CR & FC 
Who - George Gregan 

Today on WTF, I got a chance to hang out with one of the world's most loved rugby legends and that’s GG - his loved name. George Gregan was brought down by HSBC as their rugby ambassador to win the hearts of rugby fans in Sri Lanka. His two day tour is to support and engage in the bank's propping up with the oval shaped ball game, locally. 

George Gregan is Australia’s highest internationally capped and a much celebrated player as he was the 64th player inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013. His illustrious rugby career spanning over 20 years started in 1996 when he became a foundation player for the Brumbies Franchise. He was instrumental in winning the Rugby World Cup in 1999 in the team captained by John Eales. George went on to captain the Wallabies and under his captaincy, the Wallabies emerged as the runner up in the RWC 2003. Gregan was later appointed to the Order of Australia (AM) for services to the rugby union. He was also inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2009, holding the world record for the most tests played with 139 for Australia against 15 nations and two invitational selections, the British and Irish Lions and the Pacific Islanders (Lions and Pacific Islanders). A stand at the Canberra Stadium was named after the duo Gregan and his Australia half-back partner Stephen Larkham - The Gregan and Larkham Stand. 

Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives Sriyan Cooray speaking to the WTF team commented, “As an international bank that has been associated with rugby through several sponsorships both globally and locally, we wanted to bring an international flavour of the sport to local audiences. We are happy to be able to leverage the partnership HSBC Bank Australia has with Qantas. We feel this is a good opportunity, as we further our commitment and support towards rugby in Sri Lanka to give rugby fans and emerging players a chance to interact with a celebrity player.” 

 

 

We met the man at the Coaching Masterclass which was a partnership with the Sri Lanka Rugby and Football Union (SLRFU) and the Schools Rugby Union for all Captains and Scrum Halves of A Division Rugby schools in the country. The coaching Masterclass was held at the CR & FC Grounds in Colombo, where George Gregan mentored them and engaged in coaching activities as both a former skipper and scrum half. The session was also attended by HSBC’s A Division Rugby team. 

I took this opportunity to get some tips from the man himself, but I did warn him, I may look like one, but I'm far from a rugby player! He taught me the basics. 

Speaking to GG he said “Just like Sri Lanka, we love both of our big sports, which are cricket and rugby. It’s a big part of our sporting culture and the talent I see here is great and the passion I see here is remarkable,” That day he saw just a little bit of the talent and he says that it's promising and it’s the passion that will make this sport stronger. 

Thank you to my teammates in my journey of WTF, Jonny and Ryan for the pics. Do check out the video which will be out soon! 

You can view all the photographs here. 

Today on WTF 

Hair and Makeup – Capello Saloon 
Video and photographs by You're My Favorite 
Transport Partner – Mal-Key-Rent-A-Car 
Outfit – Jump