"I love playing rugby, it's what I live for and to be able to do it here in Australia whilst also being part of the Burlington Berries team is a dream come true"
Sione Tokomaata
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas a vulputate dui.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Lorem ipsum
Launceston
Rugby Club
Whilst picking berries is the name of the game in summer, in winter the only game in town for many of our seasonal workers is rugby and Burlington Berries is fortunate to count many talented players amongst its ranks.
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening the 'Burlington Rugby Bus' leaves Cressy to take players to the Royal Park Rugby Grounds where our players join their Launceston Tigers team mates for training playing in first and second division.
Viliami Kalolo Huakau in action at rugby training
Matataiasi Katoa, Kava Huihea Manuofetoa, Sekope Lutu Mailangi Fanguna, and Viliami Kalolo Huakau
The 2022 season has been a stellar year for the Tigers after winning the 2022 Statewide Championships against Taroona in a nail biting 17-16 thriller which went right down to the line with a kick after the siren sealing the win.
Two players from the Burlington Berries team Fineasi Palei and Sione Tokomaata have represented Tasmania in South Australia as part of the Australian Rugby Shield.
"I love playing rugby, it's what I live for and to be able to do it here in Australia whilst also being part of the Burlington Berries team is a dream come true," said Sione.
Originally from Tonga and members of the Burlington Berries Seasonal Worker Program, Simione understands the value of teamwork both on and off the field, "Playing rugby and being part of the Burlington team are the same. You have to work together and support each other to achieve a common goal," he said.
Choosing to move to Australia is mostly about career opportunities for our seasonal workers but once they arrive it's the friendships and community that keeps them here, "I love Tasmania and the opportunities it has given me, but it's the friendships and community that make it such a great place to live," said Simione.
At Burlington Berries we are proud of the contribution our team members make to the Tasmanian community and look forward to an equally successful 2023 season both on the field and in the paddock.
Sione Tokomaata, Viliami Kalolo Huakau, Kava Manuifeta, Matataiasi Katoa, Sekope Lutu Mailangi Fanguna win the State Rugby competition trophy
Burlington Berries was established in Tasmania in 2012. Originally from NSW where the Sutherland family has farmed for generations, Kate and Stewart purchased Burlington Farm in 2010 as a location for their premium pasture seed business Upper Murray Seeds. In 2012 they joined with long term friends and 50% business partners Marion and Jon Regan and they established Burlington Berries. The next generation of Sutherlands now call Tasmania home, working alongside their parents to deliver a ‘Better Berry’ for all Australians to enjoy.
Growing berries in tasmania for all australians to enjoy
Working with our trusted partners, Driscoll's and Hugh Lowe farms, Burlington has access to over 120 years of collective agricultural knowledge and innovative distribution and management techniques, allowing us to focus on growing a better berry for all Australians to enjoy.
“I have met so many people from different backgrounds and cultures while working on the farm, the people are always friendly, and our team is like a second family to me”
Inoke Fine
Seasonal Worker