Rugby development in NSW has received a boost with the announcement of the joint venture between the NSW Sports High Schools Association and NSW Rugby which will help support the pathway for rugby players from Public Schools in NSW.
Sports High Schools count among their alumni Wallabies Gary, Glen and Mark Ella, former Wallabies Russell Fairfax and Will Skelton, current NSW Waratah and Wallaby Israel Folau, and former Waratahs player Steven Mafi.
NSW Rugby and NSW Waratahs General Manager Rugby and former Matraville High School teacher Tim Rapp, members of the NSW Waratahs team and President of the NSW Sports High Schools Association (SHSA) Roger Davis, launched the new partnership at Matraville High School in Chifley, Sydney.
NSW Rugby and NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said the partnership was important to further develop the game in the State.
“Partnering with the NSW SHSA will, without doubt, enhance the talented player pathway for both male and female Rugby players in NSW. We see huge benefit from the Sports High School model that combines high quality education and coaching in a nurturing and supportive environment” Hore said.
“We want to ensure that boys and girls have access to high quality rugby programmes, no matter what their background and whether they go to a public or private school. The Sports High Schools have great facilities, quality teachers and coaches and we want to be a part of their development,” Hore added.
The partnership will include coach and player development, implementation of a fully supported high performance curriculum and increased opportunities for talent identification.
Roger Davis said “We know from experience that the holistic development of the student athlete at NSW Sports High Schools has significantly contributed to the development of some of Australia’s most elite sports stars.”
About the Sports High School Association
There are seven Sports High Schools in NSW that provide opportunities for students who have potential to reach the elite level.The schools have flexible academic programmes that assist developing athletes meet their training, competition and academic requirements. The seven schools are; Westfields Sports High, Matraville Sports High, Narrabeen Sports High, Illawarra Sports High, Hunter Sports High, Hills Sports High and Endeavour Sports High.
The NSW Waratahs will return to the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground this Saturday 14 April to take on traditional rivals, the Queensland Reds. The team will wear a special Heritage jersey that represents 144 years of rugby in NSW.
