Assistant Coach, Chris Whitaker is adapting to life at the NSW Waratahs Daceyville base, following a raft of changes to training under strict biosecurity protocols.
Rugby Australia and Super Rugby clubs are working closely with the government on a tiered restriction system – with the relaxation of current protocols dependant on a range of factors.
It’s widely hoped that positive news from across the community around COVID-19 will result in full team training commencing in the near future, but for the meantime Whitaker is working within the current parameters.
"Everyone is going to come up with different needs and scenarios," he said.
"That’s what we’re doing at the moment.
"Some guys are obviously studying and doing exams so you’ve got to make leeway around what players’ needs are and adapt.”
Whitaker acknowledged the enthusiasm of the younger members of his squad amidst what’s been a difficult period for professional sport.
"We’re quite lucky in that the majority of our squad is quite young and they’re all super keen to impress and get a spot,” Whitaker said.
"That’s rubbing off on a few of the senior guys as well. There’s real energy about the boys at the moment. Every training has been top level so it’s been good."
The Super Rugby squad continues to work hard whilst plans for the remainder of 2020 are finalised. While there’s no doubt things will look different for what’s left of this year, Whitaker is expecting plenty of positives on the other side of the shutdown.
"I think we’re in for a positive change," Whitaker said.
"There is talk of different bits and pieces to add to the game and right now we have an opportunity to go a different direction with the game.
"I think it’s another opportunity to liven the game up, get more interaction between the coaches during the game, make it more of a spectator kind of sport.
"I think it’s a real opportunity now with the virus shutdown to probably stop and think about the direction of the game. Now is a good time to do it because you have the time to do it."
