Players Aussie coach Dan Hawkes looking for at Australian schools rugby championships

The new Australian schools coach knows the type of player he wants to find at the Australian schools rugby championships for his team – and it’s not just tough guys and speedsters.

NSW playing the ACT at the Australian schools rugby event. Pictures: Anthony Edgar.

State pride and places in the 2024 Australian schoolboy team are on the line at the national championships this week with every spot “up for grabs” at the Sunshine Coast event.

Dan Hawkes, who lead the Barbarians side at the national event in Sydney last year, has been appointed head coach of the 2024 Australian schools team and knows exactly the type of players he is looking for.

A high skill level will be a given but Hawkes is also intent on selection “good people” to wear the famous jersey.

Hawkes confirmed the national championships will play the biggest role in selection the new Australian squad although he has been in contact with each state for early intel on players expected to be in the mix.

“We are looking for people excelling in their position. They have to be very good at their individual roles,“ Hawkes said.

Players are chasing a spot in the Australian schoolboys team at the event. Pictures: Anthony Edgar.

“Outside of that, once you have picked the starting 15, you need to start thinking about and looking at combinations of players and players who can play multiple positions.

“Bench spots are crucial for covering positions so we are looking for versatile players.

“It’s why you need to know a bit of history of the kids and we have meetings with coaches and staff to find out these things.”

Hawke said he likes to look for a “point of difference“ in his players and “good people”

“Good people make good rugby players. Ultimately rugby is about teaches you about being humble and playing hard,” he said.

Competition on the opening day. Pictures: Anthony Edgar.

“Tough, hard edged kids … I look for a point of difference, whether they are brave, have an excellent school set, elite speed. Something different that makes it easy to select them.

Speed and factor kids, a prop that’s an unbelievable scrummager, everyone who is a master of position Schools but also a good teammate who puts the team first.

“We (Barbarians) had John Jacob from Mount Druitt last year. He was abrasive and tough but the most humble and lovely kid you could ever meet he was a great role model for the group.”

NSW 2 beat Queensland 1 on the opening day. Pictures: Anthony Edgar.

The Australian Schools rugby championships are being played on the Sunshine Coast this week.

The boys XV comp is being contested by Queensland 1 and Queensland 2, NSW 1, NSW 2 and NSW Juniors, the ACT, Victoria and Barbarians/Combined states.

The open girls sevens comp is being played by Queensland Maroon, Queensland White, NSW Blue, NSW White, the ACT and a Lloyd McDermott side.

The under 16 girls sevens comp is being played between Queensland Maroon, Queensland White, NSW Blue, NSW White, Victoria and a Lloyd McDermott side.

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