Toowoomba Grammar School rugby players Chace Oates and Ewald Kruger named in Rugby Australia development squad

After helping guide the Queensland Reds to an under-16 national championships grand final, two Toowoomba rugby stars have been named in an elite Aussie rugby squad. Find out who here.

RUGBY: Ewald Kruger’s hopes of a breakout GPS Rugby season were cruelled by a knee injury sustained in training.

Despite the early setback the talented forward did see game time and his dedication and that of Grammar teammate Chace Oates paid off.

Kruger and Oates have been named in Rugby Australia’s under-16 development squad after commanding performances for the Queensland Reds in the national championships.

“It feels great – an achievement I can look back on and celebrate,” Kruger said.

“My experience in the new national rugby championships helped a lot.

Chace Oates. Pic: Tom Primmer.

“The training, the games and the reviews after games helped me determine where I was at and what I could improve on.

“The coaches and (rugby) program here at Grammar make a big difference as well.

“Not many boys get the opportunity to trial (for the Reds) or exposure to this type of rugby … when you have it it helps a lot.”

The 27-player squad is dominated by New South Wales, with 17 players selected, after the Waratahs went through the championship undefeated.

Kruger and Oates account for half the Queenslanders selected after the Reds lost 40-10 in the final.

Being named among Australia’s top-30 under-16 players was a dream come true for Oates.

“Playing for the Reds was a great opportunity in itself,” Oates said.

“To be named among the top 30 players in my age bracket in Australia is amazing.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to train under new coaches and alongside all the other players.

“Any time you can get a good indication of how your developing as player or work with a new coach is good.

“It’s a chance to learn new ways of thinking about how to play the game and hopefully I can bring that back to Grammar.”

Chace Oates scores for Grammar in their GPS rugby firsts match against Ipswich Grammar

Grammar’s head of rugby David Enfantie attributed their selection to impressive skill sets and determination.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for Chace and Ewald – a good reward for their hard work,” Enfantie said.

“They’re good young men and players

“Chace is an amazing talent that can play in multiple positions across the backline.

“He’s a genuine run, pass and kick threat when has the ball in his hands. He’s highly skilled, physical and good in defence.

“Ewald has a had a lot of ups and downs this year.

“He was selected for round one of the GPS season but hurt his knee in our last training session.

“He had that setback but he worked hard and returned for the tail end of the season – from there he showed what he’s capable of in the rep carnivals to earn a spot in Australian squad.

“Ewald’s work rate is great and his catch-pass skills as a forward are some of the best I have seen.

“We’re really looking forward to both the boys coming back and sharing what they have learned and stepping up as leaders in the rugby program next year.”