NSW Waratahs officials impressed with lift of under 16 standard at CHS rugby trials

The return of major rugby event in 2022 has recharged the sport with the standard of teenagers at a recent trial at a new level - particularly in one area of the game.

CHS trial players Kyan Rathbone from Parks High, Monty Fry from Port Hacking High and Luca Pirrello from Cronulla High. Pic: Supplied

The success of the national under 16 rugby championships in 2022 has triggered new interest in the game and lifted youngsters to a new level.

That’s the view of NSW Waratahs head of talent management Andrew Cleverley after recent CHS U16s trials on the Central Coast.

The CHS trials were the second part of a four step process to make the Waratahs side to play in U16 National Rugby Championships which returned to the rugby calendar in 2022 after a Covid break and was contested by players from Australian Super Rugby franchises.

The Waratahs won the U16s and U19s competitions at the 2022 event with 17 NSW players making the Australian U16 development squad named after their 40-10 win over the Queensland Reds.

In the U19s, 12 players were involved in the first Junior Wallabies camp earlier this year.

Joe Walsh on the burst in the National U16 rugby championship last year. Picture: Julian Andrews

Waratahs officials were at the CHS trials and impressed with the standard, especially in the backs.

“It was very high, particularly in the backs,’’ Cleverley said.

“There were a lot of dual athletes. The success of that under 16 tournament has clearly bought new kids into the realm of wanting to play.

CHS trial players Kyan Rathbone, Monty Fry from Port Hacking High and Luca Pirrello from Cronulla High. Pic: Supplied

“That event showed them what there is in rugby. It has created a real buzz in the rugby space.

“There are far larger numbers and higher quality athletes turning up and causing awesome headaches for selections for school associations. The CHS is looking strong.”

The national championship series exposed the rising stars of the game to great competition and coaching.

Cleverley said he and Waratahs staff are looking for particular players to potentially join the Tahs U16s side.

The national rugby championships were dominated by the Waratahs.

“We are looking for guys who understand how to play rugby union, the nuances of rugby union,’’ he said.

“Players with rugby IQ, who understand the uniqueness of rugby union, the scrum, the line out, how to build pressure by keeping the ball, how to work to keep the ball, things that differentiate it from other football codes.

“And guys who fit the sport with the right size, power and skill set for each position.’’

Cleverley and Waratahs staff will monitor youngsters across all school associations and club rugby as they look to build their U16 team in 2023.

Various associations use the Waratahs staff to assist in selection and coaching of these pathway teams.

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