National U19 rugby championships 2023: Skills, traits Waratahs looking for in Shute Shield, Colt finals

NSW Waratahs U19 selectors are looking for performance and a special personality trait in the final matches of the Shute Shield and colts comps for the national U19, U16 rugby championship.

The NSW Waratahs U19s won the national rugby championship last year. Picture: Julian Andrews

NSW Waratahs U19 selectors are looking for performance and a special personality trait in the final matches of the Shute Shield and colts comps for the 2023 national U19, U16 rugby championships.

Just one weekend of club rugby remains for NSW rising stars to impress ahead of the new Waratahs under 19s team being named for their defence of the national rugby championship title they won in 2022.

While some contenders for spots are now out of the race to the finals, selectors will still be closely monitor the final matches of the colts and Shute Shield grade competitions as they work on the makeup of their new squad.

Club rugby has been the major platform for the emerging stars of the game to showcase their talents and skills ahead of the U19 squad selection

Few players are age eligible from the squad which last year navigated the season undefeated to claim the U19 title.

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Jack Barrett, right, playing for a Waratahs Academy team last year.

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The NSW Waratahs Academy also won the U16 crown.

“We will name the squad the Monday after the Shute Shield and colts finals,’’ said Waratahs Head of Talent Andrew Cleverley.

“It’s (the competitions) been important for us to choose the guys. It's been their main vehicle to show what they have.’’

Cleverly said along with the normal skills Tahs selectors want to see from their hopefuls, there’s a personality trait or attitude they are looking for.

Young Waratahs players competing last year. Pics: Julian Andrews

“It’s about it being team first and having that attitude,’’ he said.

“It’s hand up, not hand out.’’

The 2023 Shute Shield finals series will culminate at Leichhardt Oval on August 26 with a 3pm grand final.

Grand final day will also feature Fourth, Third and Second grade deciders.

Colts competition grand finals will be played on to be held on 27 August.

On Saturday the Shute Shield semi-finals will be fought out between Randwick and Eastwood at North Sydney Oval at 12:30pm followed by the Norths v Manly battle at 3.15pm.

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