Backpacker scores in rugby try-out

An Australian backpacker recently experienced an adventure no amount of Lonely Planet Guides and preparation could have prepared him for when he was unexpectedly called up to play international rugby.

Steve Williams was holidaying in Germany when he chanced his arm for trial for the German national team.

He so impressed the team's director of rubgy Peter Ianusevici that he was handed his debut for the team just two days later.

Better yet, Steve, who played in New South Wales junior side as a boy, was able to help the team record a resounding 34-5 victory over Moldova.

He told AFP: "It's been incredible, I only turned up on Thursday expecting a trial and a bit of a look around, and the next thing I knew, I was making my debut.

"All of the players are amateurs and gave up their time to play for their country. The whole thing had a lot of old-school charm, which we just don't get in professional rugby now.

He added: "I didn't attempt to sing the national anthem. I have heard it while watching the Olympics on the television, but I have until the spring to learn it now."

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