Hunt on for Waratahs, CHS rugby stars of the future at 11 Discover Days ahead of U16 trials

It’s where a number of Waratahs, Wallabies and prospective Junior Wallabies were spotted for the first time. Now a road show is out to find the next generation of young rugby players.

Gen Blues youngsters competing in a tournament in Sydney last year.

It’s the first chance for many young rugby players to stand out from the crowd.

The first chance for them to be noticed, up their skills and be exposed to those on the hunt for precocious new talent in the game.

The likes of Waratah Joey Walton and Wallaby Harry Johnson-Holmes came through this pathway.

So did Junior Wallabies prospect Fritz Jahnke-Taverna.

The then 16-year-old, also a talented basketball who played Harold Matts with the Sydney Roosters, turned up at a CHS Discover Day to play rugby in Orange in 2018.

He is now in the extended Junior Wallabies squad heading to Canberra next week for a camp ahead of the world U20 rugby championships in South African later this year.

Harry Johnson-Holmes, from Newcastle, came throught the CHS system.

The 2023 CHS Discover Road Show kicks off in March with the NSW Waratahs helping identify new talent in the game at 11 city and country venues from Wollongong, Penrith and and the northern beaches to Cambelltown, Coffs Harbour, Inverell, the Central Coast and Orange.

“This is where we spot the talent for the first time,” said Waratahs talent ID manager Andrew Cleverley.

“We get a change to see if some of these kids would make CHS representative teams and progress to Waratahs U16 sides later in the year.

“The kids come along to trial and it’s the very first step in making the under 16s.

“We put the players through their paces, skills and drills, while teachers look at talent and start ranking the boys.

Joey Walton from the Central Coast was also identified through the system.

“We also do some game stuff and the CHS rank players and then bring them an under 16 tournament at Tuggerah later this year to choose the CHS under 16 teams. “This also puts players in line for the Gen Blues.’’

All players at NSW Public High Schools interested in being considered for selection in the NSWCHSSA 16 years and under rugby union team are encouraged to attend a trial day.

DISCOVER DAYS, DATES, VENUES

February 27: SE – Endeavor SHS

February 28: SSW – Campbelltown Showground

March 1: SC – Kiama Showground

& CCC

March 2: HUN – Earnie Calland Field

March 3: CC – Ourimbah Rugby

March 6: NC – Coffs Rugby Club

March 8: NW – Inverell Rugby Club & CCC

March 10: WEST – Orange Emus Rugby

March 13: RIV – Wagga

March 14: SW – Penrith

March 29: SN – Rat Park

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