Captain Rocky at the wheel - Volvo Hot laps for the 'Tahs'

Volvo Cars take the Waratahs from the field to the track

Members join Elsom, Polota-Nau and Mitchell on the track

Volvo Cars Australia this week hosted a drive day at Eastern Creek Raceway to kick-start its major partnership with the HSBC Waratahs in 2012, using the day to highlight the importance of defensive driver training for a number of the young squad.

With an average squad age of 23, the majority of NSW squad players fall into the age group of the nation's most over-represented road users in terms of fatalities on our roads - males aged under 25.

Despite only accounting for 15 per cent of drivers, 17 to 25 year olds make up approximately 36 per cent of annual road fatalities - 80 per cent of whom are male*.

The Volvo Cars drive day was designed to expose the players to practical exercises to help demonstrate how speeding can impact on the behaviour of a vehicle - including its affect on braking and stopping distances - as well as to introduce them to general road craft and good driving habits.

Despite the serious message, the day took on an exciting finale as players were treated to 'hot laps' around Eastern Creek Raceway in Volvo's exhilarating new S60 Polestar.

Matt Shirvington, former 100m Olympic sprinter had the mic at the ready to interview Rocky.   "It was a great for the players to get out on the track with some of our members," said new captain, Randwick's Rocky Elsom, one of eight players to join four lucky members and their guests, who won their seats through Waratahs Members' Rewards program.

Long term Volvo ambassador, Randwick flier, HSBC Waratahs and Wallabies winger, Drew Mitchell, also found the day invaluable. "I've been driving Volvos for four years but admit to knowing nothing about the technology under the bonnet. After today, I feel like I've walked away as a better, more aware driver," he said.

"Being able to experience Volvo's safety technology - as well as the performance of some of its vehicles under the controlled conditions at Eastern Creek - really opened our eyes to the capabilities of its vehicles," Mitchell added.

Volvo Cars also took the opportunity to demonstrate some of its advanced safety technology including its low-braking City Safety technology, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and, of course, its Pedestrian Detection and Avoidance system.

Volvo Cars' major partnership with the Waratahs adds to an already impressive line-up of rugby partnerships including the Queensland Reds and Western Force. In addition, Volvo Cars is proud to support the Australian Open (men's golf), The Australian Ballet and Cure For Life Foundation.

An HSBC Waratahs membership is your ticket to a number of exciting benefits including, weekly entry into the Member Rewards prize draw and free entry to regional and local trial matches. Show your support and sign up now by calling 1300 733 899 or joining online at www.waratahs.com.au/membership

The HSBC Waratahs will face last season's champions the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium in the opening round of the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby season on Saturday, February 25. Tickets are on public sale today from www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849.

In preparation, they will play two trial matches against Pacific Island opposition, firstly against Samoa at Tamworth (Friday February 10) then against Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday February 17, kick off 7.40pm. Both matches are presented by Air Pacific.

Entry to trial matches starts at just $10 for adults and $20 for families (two adults and two children), with HSBC Waratahs members admitted free. Tickets for the Tonga trial and the FxPro Super Rugby blockbuster opening round clash between the HSBC Waratahs and Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium (Saturday February 25, kick off 7.40pm) go on sale on January 31 from www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849.