NewsBite

Rugby coaches hope 15-a-side games become regular fixture

Downs rugby coaches helping expand the game

USQ Saints and St George Filly Frillies players congratulate each other after the final of the Emilee Cherry Cup.
USQ Saints and St George Filly Frillies players congratulate each other after the final of the Emilee Cherry Cup.

RUGBY: The rise and growth of women’s Rugby Sevens is a jewel in the Darling Downs rugby crown.

Over the past few years the number of players involved in the fast-paced sport has grown dramatically and now coaches in the region are eager to build on the success by moving in a new direction.

A select group of athletes recently lined up in a 15-a-side game pitting the best City and Country players against each other.

“This is the first time we’ve had a 15-a-side women’s game for some time,” Mick Jaeger, who coached the City team, said.

“The rise of women’s Rugby Sevens, particularly across the Downs, has been fantastic.

“We (Jaeger and fellow coach Martin Leggit) are eager to bring back the traditional 15-a-side game though.

“It requires some totally different skillsets and could potentially introduce more players to rugby.”

Jaeger said the City and Country sides produced a thrilling match and the hope is to form a combined team capable of competing with teams from other regions.

“It’s early days yet but the hope is to one day have a 15-a-side team we can travel with,” Jaeger said.

“We’ve got the talent and we’d love to have a competitive team to play against other sides from nearby regions.”

Originally published as Rugby coaches hope 15-a-side games become regular fixture

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lismore/sport/rugby-coaches-hope-15aside-games-become-regular-fixture/news-story/5b0361da705f64dc3913b6960c0cfc7b