Access All AreasSt. George’s Park played host to the Australian Kangaroos national rugby league team this month, with the team selecting the facility as its training base for the 2016 Four Nations tournament.
Foregoing the team’s traditional UK camp venues in Manchester and Leeds, head coach Mal Meninga opted for the £105m complex in Staffordshire as the ideal venue for his 24-man squad over the four week-long tournament this October and November. The Four Nations competition pits host nation England against world-class teams from Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.
The Kangaroos are the latest high profile sports team to select the flagship Midlands complex, with England’s 24 national teams, FC Barcelona, British Basketball, England Rugby Union, England Rugby League, GB Hockey and the Argentinian and Irish Rugby Union teams amongst those benefiting from the full-service experience on offer.
The world-class facility offers a strength and conditioning gym, hydrotherapy suite, 13 outdoor pitches and a suite of rehabilitation and sports science areas. Teams also benefit from the luxurious surroundings of the on-site four star Hilton hotel to wind down in between training sessions and matches.
Julie Harrington, FA group operations director, Wembley and St. George’s Park, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Kangaroos to St. George’s Park and hope that our facilities can contribute to them enjoying a successful Four Nations tournament. The sheer range of facilities and services available aims to provide teams like the Kangaroos, as well all of the guests of St. George’s Park, with a place that suits all of their needs and in this case, the perfect site for in between matches for training and relaxation time.
“Our reputation as the UK’s ultimate training venue is unrivalled, and for such a prestigious national team to select us as their primary training base is testament to the calibre of our offer.”