This week marks a crucial landmark in the schools rugby calendar with the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) and NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) Under 12s trials taking place across the State.
A group of 100 kids from all across Sydney Metropolitan schools competed for selection in the CIS Under 12s side at home of the NSW Waratahs in Daceyville this week.
The two-day trials started on Tuesday and 45 kids returned on day two to play in a “Possibles vs Probables” match that will determine a 22-strong squad to compete in a PSSA carnival in Forbes, Central West NSW, during term three.
CIS Rugby Convenor and Under 12s Head Coach, James Bruce said: “These boys have come from various association across NSW. Some associations such as IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia) that make up a lot of the Sydney schools, have already had their initial trials process.”
“It’s great to see some boys from the country associations. We’ve got kids from Coffs Harbour (Bishop Druitt College), Scone (Scone Grammar), Orange (Kinross Wolaroi), the Central Coast and Hunter (Medowie Christian School) regions.
On the same day as round two of the CIS trials, the students of Sydney’s South West have their turn to push for higher honours, contesting for spots in their region’s PSSA side.
Played at the home of Campbelltown Harlequins Rugby Club, over 80 juniors from five teams will battle it out for selection in the Sydney South West PSSA representative side.
Joining Sydney South West at this gala day are teams representing the following regions: Hunter, North West, North Coast, Riverina, South Coast, Sydney East, Sydney North, Sydney West and Western.
About the carnival
CIS represents XX independent schools. Two Catholic associations, Mackillop and Polding, represent the south and the north of the State respectively. Eleven State school associations represent the PSSA sides. In total, 14 teams will be in action.
The NSW PSSA carnival will take place on 1-2 July in Forbes.
