NSW Waratahs U16 rugby selections intensify as teens impress

Teens vying for spots in the NSW Waratahs U16s squad have their work cut out with a selector rating the talent “as strong as we have ever looked”.

NSW Waratahs Academy players in the super Rugby series last year. Pics: Julian Andrews

An upcoming invitational tournament in Sydney will play a vital role in the selection of the NSW Waratahs U16s squad with players needing to be at their best to have a shot at making the cut.

Andrew Cleverley, head of talent at the Waratahs, has been impressed by what he has seen from the rising stars of NSW rugby this season.

He is predicting “good players will miss out” due to the strength of talent chasing a spot in the squad being aimed at the Super Rugby U16s championships played between top rugby academy sides later this year.

Cleverley and Waratahs staff were at two-day schools event at St Gregs College at Campbelltown recently to have another good look at the talent chasing a blue jersey.

The recent state championship played over the June long weekend was another significant opportunity for hopefuls to impress as will be the NSW Invitational at Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club on July 12 and 14.

Teenagers are vying for a spot in the NSW Waratahs academy program. Pic: Julian Andrews

Two schools teams and one each form City and Country will play at this event.

This will be followed by the annual City v Country clash at Bathurst on July 28 with a squad of 36 named the following day for the Super Rugby U16s tournament.

“They are as strong as we have ever looked,” Cleverley said.

“There’s lots of depth, lots of really good players will miss out.”

Cleverley said the strength of the talent has been triggered by things such as better nutritional advice.

“That and better training, and the schools are very competitive in that space,” he said.

“When it comes to developing their layers the players are very as aspirational.”

The NSW Waratahs U16s side have dominated the Super Rugby competition for the last two years.

In 2023 the young Tahs side beat their major rivals, the Queensland Reds, 22-8 for the overall title.

The NSW Waratahs U19s side were beaten by the ACT Brumbies for the Super Rugby crown.

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Originally published as NSW Waratahs U16 rugby selections intensify as teens impress