Former Australia scrum-half Will Genia recently returned to his native city of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
The 36-year-old Kintetsu Liners veteran, who moved to Brisbane at the age of 12 and went on to play 110 Tests for the Wallabies, checked in on a number of grassroots clubs during his trip and visited Sogeri Primary School.
Genia’s school visit was organised through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and was supported by his Osaka-based club who he joined in 2019.
The 2011 Super Rugby winner with the Queensland Reds inspired the students by talking about his journey as a rugby player and, after an on-field showcase of his skills, he presented 24 balls to the school.
Genia, who is also an ambassador for The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) - an international aid organisation working in Papua New Guinea – said: “Unreal day exploring some of the work the people from JICA are doing here in Papua New Guinea.
“The kids from Sogeri primary school really brought the energy and the vibes. The volunteers and their commitment is truly incredible!”
The former Stade Français star, who retired from Wallabies duty in 2019 and was linked with representing his homeland in 2022, finished his first pre-season camp back in Japan in Kochi on Saturday (below).
Genia, who will once again play alongside his long-time former Wallabies half-back partner Quade Cooper and Japan internationals Semisi Masirewa and Sanaila Waqa next season, starts the new campaign on 21 December at home to Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi in Japan’s second tier.
Pictures courtesy of Will Genia, Kintetsu Liners and the JICA
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