Shute Shield: NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman keen to keep club rugby talent close to home

The 2022 Shute Shield club rugby competition will play a critical role in improving the fortunes of the NSW Waratahs under their new boss - in more ways than one.

The Shute Shield is seen as a golden pond of talent for Super Rugby. .

Rugby coach Darren Coleman will continue to push for an annual pre-season clash between the NSW Waratahs and the Shute Shield’s best and brightest as he works towards getting “first dibs” on the rising stars of the club competition.

Coleman confirmed an initial plan to have a Waratahs v Shute Shield All Stars match in December has fallen through but hopes it will become an annual event on the rugby calendar in the future.

Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Waratahs has played plenty of Shute Shield rugby over the years.

The Waratahs boss is also looking to strengthen relationships between the Shute Shield clubs and his organisation so the Tahs get first pick of the talent being honed and produced by the top-rated club rugby competition based in Sydney.

“We couldn’t get the trial up due to Covid, too many of the boys haven’t played for over six months,’’ Coleman said.

“But I’m definitely trying to get it on the calendar as an annual thing.”

Coleman, who coached Gordon to the 2020 Shute Shield before taking on a job in the US with Major League Rugby, has strong ties and affiliations with the Shute Shield.

Coleman coached Gordon to its Shute Shield win over Eastwood last year.

He has close working contacts with other coaches in the competition, including his brother Scott who coaches at the Newcastle Wildfires.

The Shute Shield boasts a wealth of talent - some of which escapes to the ACT Brumbies or rivals Super Rugby teams before the Waratahs are able to nab it.

“There’s nothing to say the Shute Shield can’t provide 100 per cent of the Waratahs talent pool. But the other clubs feed off it as well,” Coleman said.

“The trick is picking the right talent and get it getting it before the other teams do.

“I worked with Brumbies for four years and we acquired Michael Hooper.

“I always found it easier being the fox picking off chickens rather than the watchdog.”

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