From Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
Preseason
It is fantastic to see such a positive start to the year at training on Monday! A number of teachers across the school have commented on how excited the boys are ahead of the upcoming season, which was evident in the very energetic opening training session. Unfortunately, due to wet weather this was our only training of the week.
Most students (13s, 14s & 15s) should have now commenced preseason training at Queens Park. We look forward to our 16s and Opens commencing this weekend. 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).
It is extremely important that all players attend trainings or age group meetings, particularly at the starting point of the season. 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. 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/Training Sessions – Saturday 17 March
We will be holding Internal Trials as well as Training sessions for all age groups this Saturday 17 March. Please take note of the following arrangements for each age groups:
13s years – Players will be involved in Internal Trials. All players are to bring along a Waverley Jersey as well as another coloured Jersey for trials, as well as standard playing gear (rugby shorts, socks, boots, mouthguard and headgear (not compulsory)). Due to the large numbers in the 13s group has been split into two trialling times (two groups – 8:00am and 9:30am). At a meeting on Wednesday at lunchtime, players were made aware of which time they need to attend. If any students are unsure, they are required to attend the 8:00am trial. All coaching staff will be watching both trial periods to monitor player performance for grading.
14s years – Players will be involved in Internal Trials. All players are to bring along a Waverley Jersey as well as another coloured Jersey for trials, as well as standard playing gear (rugby shorts, socks, boots, mouthguard and headgear (not compulsory)). Due to the large numbers in the 14s group will be split into two trialling times (two groups – 11:00am and 12:30pm). At a meeting on Wednesday at lunchtime, players were made aware of which times they need to attend. If any students are unsure, they are required to attend the 11:00am trial. All coaching staff will be watching both trial periods to monitor player performance for grading.
15s years – Due to a significant amount of students in the 15s years age group involved in cadet camp, this age group will be holding a training sessions rather than internal trials. All 15s players need to be at QP6 at 8:30am for a 9:00am start.
16s years – Due to not having a training sessions in the opening week of preseason, this age group will be holding a training sessions rather than internal trials. All 16s need to be at QP1 at 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start.
Opens years – Students selected in the 1st XV & 2nd XV trialling squad will have a match on QP1 commencing at 10:00am. Due to not having a training sessions in the opening week of preseason, all other players in the Opens (3rd XV to 5th XV Squad) will be involved in a training sessions rather than internal trials. Players in this group will need to meet on QP1 at 11:00am for a 11:30am start.
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 24 March
On Saturday 24 March, Waverley College will be involved in the CAS Sevens Day. Squads will be selected from each age group to participate in this tournament which will take place at various CAS schools.
Coaches will inform those students selected in these squads at trainings/meetings 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 will be returning from Cadet Camp on Friday 23rd March will be expected to attend trials on Saturday 24th March or, if selected, the CAS Sevens.
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.
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 13Es.
Good luck to all students involved in the Internal Trials and Training Sessions this weekend!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
