Wee Waa duo scores international invitation

TWO talented Wee Waa High School students have been offered the experience of a lifetime: the chance to join an international rugby league tour of the United Kingdom and France next year.

What started as a pretty ordinary school day soon turned into an extraordinary one when Taylor Horne and Ruby Clayton each received a letter in the mail a fortnight ago, inviting them to take part in Wanderers Australia’s Female Rugby League Tour Program to the United Kingdom and France in September and October 2027.

For both girls, opening the invitation was a surreal moment.

“I was very surprised,” Ruby said.

“Excited and a little bit shocked – a good shocked.”

Taylor agreed: “I felt like a baddie,” she said with a smile.

The formal letter from Wanderers Australia said the students had been ‘identified as talented rugby league players’ for the program, which is endorsed and supported by the England Rugby Football League.

The girls believe they were identified through the Greater West school rugby league representative pathway.

The tour will see participants travel overseas to play against high-level teams, including Super League clubs, while also receiving elite coaching, soaking up some of Europe’s most iconic tourist destinations and enjoying the opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.

Away from football, the tour itself promises plenty of lasting memories, from visiting London and attending the Super League grand final to going behind the scenes at professional clubs, touring the world war one battlefields of the Somme and finishing in glorious Paris.

However, before they start practising their “bonjours” and “mercis”, one of the girls has another milestone to tick off before she even reaches Europe.

For Taylor, accepting the invitation means stepping aboard a plane for the very first time.

Of course, Ruby is allaying her concerns, speaking about all the positives such as the movies on the flight and the adventure waiting for them on the other side of the world when they accept the invitation.

While the prospect of playing overseas is beyond exciting, both girls say one of the biggest highlights will simply be experiencing it together.

“We’ll both be in the same age group, so that’ll be fun,” Ruby said.

Taylor and Ruby play for the mighty Narrabri Blue Boars and it’s clear the under-18s stars don’t mind switching codes, playing both union to league.

In fact, their enthusiasm and abilities when it comes to sport seem to know no limits, and the pair could likely turn their hands and skills to any game.

The teammates have developed a close friendship through the Blue Boars rugby union club, and they say the friendships formed are what they love most about sport, no matter the code.

“Getting to play alongside Taylor,” said Ruby when asked what she loved most.

Taylor echoed the sentiment.

“Yeah, playing good footy with your friends.”

“And just the culture… Everyone’s very supportive of each other. You’ve always got someone behind you,” Ruby added.

The versatile players said they are most at home in the second row but regularly play a variety of positions for the Blue Boars.

WWHS students Taylor Horne and Ruby Clayton have been invited to join Wanderers Australia’s Girls/Women’s Rugby League Tour Program, travelling to England and France next year. Photo: Ali Smith.

Taylor and Ruby said the Blue Boars’, especially the girls’ teams, continue to grow and thrive, with players enjoying a strong season and fresh faces joining the club.

“I think we have a chance at making the grand final,” said Taylor.

“Rugby has grown so much in Narrabri,” added Ruby.

Rather than focusing on their own performances, both girls said seeing new players develop had been one of the most rewarding parts of the season.

“Just being someone that the younger players can look up to and come to if they’ve got questions, it just makes you want to keep going,” Ruby said.

Taylor agreed, saying it was fulfilling watching the younger players grow in confidence.

Despite their success, both remain remarkably grounded and neither nominated a famous sporting hero when asked who inspires them.

Instead, they both pointed to the people who have supported them every step of the way, from the very beginning.

“I wouldn’t say I look up to a player, I like playing footy for me and my family,” said Taylor.

“My dad might be my biggest supporter, but my mum gets all the credit because she takes me everywhere,” she added.

Both girls paid tribute to the sacrifices made by their parents, who spend countless hours travelling to games, training sessions, trials and carnivals across regional NSW.

“I don’t think both of us could have come this far without our family,” said Ruby.

“We’re really grateful for our families.”