The Wallabies are set for stage two of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup, with timings and schedules confirmed at the University of Notre Dame next week.
An extended Wallabies squad will arrive in South Bend on August 29 and train on campus through to September 3, before heading to Soldier Field in Chicago on September 5 to take on the USA Eagles.
Following the Wallabies historic match against the Eagles, the squad will return to Notre Dame to continue their preparations, before the 31-Man Rugby World Cup Squad departs for its third and final camp in Bath, England on 13 September.
Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika saw the camp as a good opportunity for the Notre Dame Irish Athletic Staff and Wallabies to coordinate their view on High Performance, while having the Wallabies prepare in a world class sporting facility.
“The players are really looking forward to the camp next week, and are very grateful for the opportunity to train out of one of the world’s most prestigious Universities’ in Notre Dame.
“The Wallabies would like to acknowledge the cooperation between the Notre Dame Athletic department and Notre Dame Rec Sports. It was through their efforts that the Wallabies have this wonderful opportunity ahead of them.
“We look forward to sharing our knowledge and experiences in high performance within our two sports, and collectively seek a greater exposure for Rugby in the region.”
Although the camp remains a critical component of the Wallabies preparations for next month’s Rugby World Cup, Cheika was still focused on the task at hand against an improving Eagles outfit.
“The camp is an important stage of our journey towards the Rugby World Cup, however the squad knows the challenge that stands in between them and the World Cup at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 5.
“Like any match between Australia and the USA, we know it will be a spirited encounter, which is exactly what we need before our opening Pool match against Fiji at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff."
Kevin Ricks, Notre Dame Associate Athletic Trainer who has played a lead role in the relationship with the Wallabies said the camp was an important one for both programs.
“Having an organisation of this calibre on our campus is an incredible opportunity to share ideas about athlete performance," said Ricks.
"The Wallabies are leaders in applied sports science technology and their medical staff is world renowned for research and application around concussion prevention and management.
“As we continue to strive to maximize the athletic potential of each of our student-athletes, collaborating with world-class organizations like the Wallabies who share this aspiration delivers great mutual value to our respective sports performance teams,"
"We look forward to working with them during their time here at Notre Dame to enhance both of our programs.”
Mike Harrity, Notre Dame Senior Associate Athletics Director, student-athlete services agreed, and saw the partnership continuing beyond the 2015 season.
“As we continue to strive to maximize the athletic potential of each of our student-athletes, collaborating with world-class organisations like the Wallabies who share this aspiration delivers great mutual value to our respective sports performance teams,"
“Our strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers and nutritionists are excited to learn from and share ideas on athlete performance with the Wallabies staff and view their time on campus as the start of an ongoing synergistic relationship."
The match against the Eagles at the iconic Soldier Field will be the Wallabies’ first Test in the USA in almost 40 years and just their fourth on US soil.
Tickets for the USA Eagles vs Wallabies of 5 September in Chicago are available here
