Matt Toomua

While other school leavers were celebrating the end of their studies for the year, CA Brumbies Rookie Matt Toomua made the move from QLD to Canberra to begin a gruelling pre-season program.  By joining the Brumbies Rugby family, the promising young Australian Schools flyhalf will hope to build on his outstanding schoolboy form.  This week, Brumby Jack caught up with Matt to see how he is finding life in the nation's capital.

Brumby Jack: How are you finding your first week and a half at the CA Brumbies?
Matt Toomua: I love it so far, training has been pretty hard but I’m settling in well.

Brumby Jack: How are you finding it coming straight out of school and into the CA Brumbies?
MT: Things are a lot more professional here at the Brumbies than they were at school, where the setup is obviously more amateur. With things being more organised I’m finding that I’m getting a better understanding about where I need to be at with my footy.

BJ: How are you finding Canberra?
MT: It’s great. I love how everything you need is so close and it's made it easier mixing with the guys in the team and getting to know them.

BJ: How are you finding being part of a professional program, with the day-to-day training?
MT:  It’s different but it’s pretty much what I’ve always wanted to do. The day-to-day training is definitely something that I’m having to get used to, but at the same time I’m loving it.

BJ: Why did you decide to come to the CA Brumbies?
MT: I was really impressed with how they did everything right from the beginning. Ever since they approached me they have made me feel at home. Another reason is that their record speaks for itself really, as over the years I think they’ve been the leading team in Australia. Because of this, I think this is the best place to come and play rugby.

BJ:  How much easier has the move been for you, knowing that a number of your schoolboy teammates have come down here to play as well?
MT: Yeah it has been really good. As you said, there are guys here I’ve spent time playing with before and having these guys around me here has made settling in a lot easier.

BJ: Finally, what are your goals for the forthcoming season?
MT: At the moment I’m just concentrating on getting through the pre-season and doing my best to improve my footy game. I haven’t really set any major goals beyond that yet.