Kiama Rugby hosted a special exhibition match on Tuesday night (15 July), taking on a touring Canadian team in a spirited clash that ended in a 21-21 draw.

The match was the brainchild of former Kiama player John Symington, who now lives and plays rugby in Canada.

With his team touring Australia as part of the British and Irish Lions series, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with his old club.

“Their team is called The Black Sheep. They're from all over Canada, but mostly from Vancouver Island,” said Kiama Rugby players’ representative Jack Smith, who also laced up for the match. 

“They played against a mix of our under 18s, second-grade players, and a few old boys who wanted a run.”

Played under the lights at Kiama Showground on a crisp winter evening, the game was filled with good humour and plenty of banter between the clashing Canadian and Aussie accents.

“It ended in a 21-all draw, and it was just a great friendly to be part of - something fun to get around,” Smith said.

“It’s always good to host an overseas club and connect like that. 

The Canadian Black Sheep team at Kiama Showground.

“We even told the young boys, ‘Technically, this is an international fixture,’ so that gave it a bit of extra fun.

"But it was also great to see how teams from other countries do their thing.”

After the match, both teams came together in the clubhouse to swap stories, share laughs, and celebrate the spirit of international rugby.

In a show of camaraderie, The Black Sheep presented a training jersey to the best player from the opposing team - an idea Kiama were happy to adopt and reciprocate.

The game was played in great spirit, featuring competitive rugby, plenty of laughs, and flashes of genuine talent on both sides.

The Black Sheep are continuing their tour across Australia and will be attending the third Test of the British and Irish Lions series against the Wallabies at Accor Stadium on 2 August.

The Lions series kicks off this Saturday and Kiama Rugby’s under 18s will be hosting a watch party following their match against Shamrocks Rugby Club.

The event will help raise funds for the team’s upcoming rugby tour to Japan.

The watch party kicks off at 6pm, following the Celtic Rugby Festival, which begins at midday at Kiama Showground.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: 👉 Eventbrite – British and Irish Lions Party