From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
Preseason
All students should have now commenced preseason training at Queens Park or been involved in age group meetings. A reminder that 13s, 14s and 15s train on Monday and Wednesday (3:30pm-5:00pm). 16s and Opens train on Tuesday and Thursday (3:30pm – 5:00pm). Unfortunately, we have had a substantial amount of wet weather this week which has forced a number of trainings to be cancelled.
Rugby is a team sport and when players do not show up or do not put in, it takes away the opportunity for teams to bond – which is one of the greatest parts of the game. It is extremely important that all players attend trainings or age group meetings, particularly at the starting point of the season. With this in mind, there will be consequences for students who fail to turn up to training (without a note) or without their training gear.
Internal Trials – Saturday 18th March
We will be holding Internal Trials for all age groups this Saturday 18th March. All players are expected to have with them a Waverley College Jersey as well as a Colour Jersey (non Waverley).
In the event of wet weather, students are encouraged to ring the Sports Information line on 02 8250 3780. Students are also encouraged to check their student emails, especially if they are not able to connect via phone.
CAS Sevens Day – Saturday 25th March
On Saturday 25th March, Waverley College will be involved in the inaugural CAS Sevens Day. Squads of 15 players will be selected from each age group to participate in this tournament which will take place at various CAS schools as follows:
- 13s selected team will be playing at St Aloysius’ (College Oval) from 9:00am – 11:00am.
- 14s selected team will be playing at Barker College (Baker Oval) from 8:30am – 10:30am.
- 15s selected team will be playing at Knox Grammar School (Gillespie Fields) from 12:30am-2:30pm.
- 16s selected team will be playing at Trinity Grammar School (TGS 1 & TGS 3) from 8:00am – 10:00am.
- Opens selected team will be playing at Queens Park from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Coaches will inform those students selected in these squads at training/meetings early next week. All other students not involved in CAS Sevens will be involved in Internal Trial matches on this day, which will be held again at Queens Park.
Those students, who are involved in Cadet Camp (with the exception of Year 8 students) will not be expected to attend trials on Saturday 25th March as they will be at camp. All cadets will be involved in the trial fixture again Riverview on Saturday 1st April. Teams will be posted for this trial on noticeboards at Cadet Camp as well as on the Rugby Team App.
Team Selections
I appreciate a number of parents have contacted me regarding team selections. Further to this, I anticipate parents will contact me in the coming weeks regarding team selections and the protocol we have in place.
At Waverley College we aim to give all players a “fair go” in trying to reach their potential (make the highest team possible). However, it can sometimes take time to establish the correct grading of individual players into teams.
Last year, we had students starting off in “D” grade eventually make it into “A” grade half way through the season. Again, this was a process that took time.
We are very fortunate to have a number of GPS trial rounds this season to ensure the teams are well arranged prior to the commencement of the CAS competition which commences at the end of Term 2 (CAS Round 1 – 3rd June).
Ultimately, we ask all players to strive to do the best for the school in whatever team they may start off in. This will lead to a greater brand of rugby, player enjoyment and continued success from the 1st XV to the 13Fs.
Weights Room
Players in the 15s and 16s age groups who may be wishing to play A grade are offered the opportunity of working in the newly renovated weight rooms every Thursday morning from 7am. This will be under the guidance of Mr Scott Coleman, 1st XV Coach, as well as Mr Matthew Barr, Southern Districts 1st Grade Coach. This is a great chance for students to gain some expert advice from experienced coaches.
Good luck to all students in the Internal Trials!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
