Some of New South Wales’ best young talent will be honing their skills against development squads from the Brumbies and the Rebels throughout February and March.
In the absence of club rugby to give the wider Super Rugby squad playing time, the Emerging Waratahs will ply their trade with some exciting youngsters getting the chance to impress.
The new high-performance program is a welcome addition to the NSW Waratahs 2020 program and NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp is looking forward to seeing the boys in action.
“The boys have all worked extremely hard this pre-season and we got a glimpse of their abilities in the [Super Rugby] trials,” Rapp said.
“These games will give us another opportunity to see them in action and they’re all excited to be playing footy again.”
The Emerging Waratahs kick things off at Harlequins this weekend, with the likes of Michael McDonald, Ben Donaldson and Joey Walton in the starting XV.
Emerging Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels A:
Starting XV: 1.Rory O’Connor, 2.Andrew Tuala, 3.Chris Talakai, 4.Nathan Den Hoedt, 5.Pat Tafa, 6.Will Harris, 7.Carlo Tizzano, 8.Hugh Sinclair, 9.Michael McDonald, 10.Den Donaldson, 11.Tristan Reilly, 12.Tepai Moeroa, 13.Joey Walton, 14.Siosifa Lisala, 15.James Ramm Reserves: Joe Cotton, Darcy Breen, Charlie Abel, Nick Champion De Crispigny, Charlie Gamble, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Jack Walsh, Jeremy Williams
Emerging Waratahs 2020 fixtures:
Melbourne Rebels A v Emerging Waratahs
Saturday 15 February
Harlequins Oval
Kick off: 1:30pm
Emerging Waratahs v Brumbies A
Friday 21 February
David Phillips Sports Complex, Daceyville
Kick off: 4:30pm
Emerging Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels A
Friday 28 February
Location TBC
Kick off: 2pm
Brumbies A v Emerging Waratahs
Sunday 22 March
Batemans Bay Rugby Club
Kick off: 3pm
