Caitlin Gower, 16-year-old Avoca Beach resident, has been selected to represent Australia as the flag bearer in the Australia versus England match of the Rugby World Cup at Twickenham Stadium, October 3.
Gower entered an Emirates competition being run through Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sport, and won the role of flag bearer as well as a flights package for herself and her family.
Gower has loved rugby since she was a child and said she was so ecstatic to be selected as the Australian flag bearer, she almost didn’t believe it.
“At first I thought it was a joke,” Gower said. Gower said she remembers being 5-yearsold watching England vs Australia and on 2003 World Cup Day, her little brother was born.
“Ever since I can remember, my family has loved rugby and followed the Wallabies, and now I get to be their flag bearer.
“It’s amazing, I’ve been a massive fan of Rugby for a long time, so to take part in this will be an unforgettable experience which I know I will remember for the rest of my life,” Gower said.
This will be Gower’s first time in London and she hopes to make Australia proud as she performs her duties on October 3. “I can’t explain it in words, I’m a little shy, but I can’t wait to represent my country.
“There is so much I can’t wait to do, fl y Emirates, watch the Wallaby’s play and see England for the first time,” Gower said.
Media release,
Sep 15, 2015
Rebecca Wallisch,
Professional Public Relations
Interview, Sep 18, 2015
Caitlin Gower, Avoca
Dilon Luke, journalist