Rugby bounces back on the Mid North Coast
Rugby union is making a comeback on the Mid North Coast, after months impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
With rugby activities limited over the last few months, under the guidance of Development Officer Joey de Dassel, the Mid North Coast rugby community is regaining some normality.
Kicking off an action packed last three months of 2021, Foundation Coaching Courses have been held in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour this month.
De Dassel said it was great to have the opportunity to reunite the local rugby community.
“We were able to put 20 aspiring and new coaches through the course where they learned valuable coaching skills from our experienced and passionate facilitators,” de Dassel said.
“We have another 12 who are ready and waiting to go on the Lower Mid North Coast in early 2022,” he said.
In November, local rugby 7s players will return to the field for the North Coast 7s Series, with the best eight men’s and eight women’s teams going head to head for prize money and bragging rights.
The first of the three round series will be held in Grafton on November 6, before heading to Coffs Harbour on 20 November and Yamba on 4 December.
“This is a very exciting concept and certainly has the local rugby community talking,” de Dassel said.
“We are really aiming to build the relationship between the two zones Mid North Coast and Far North Coast.”
The NSW Rugby development staff have also developed a summer training program for local women and girls in rugby, that will provide fitness testing, tailored strength and conditioning programs, injury prevention, life skills and goal setting experiences.
Aimed at aspiring female athletes on the Mid North Coast, participants will have the opportunity to learn from expert coaches and NSW Waratahs staff in preparation for the 2022 representative season.
“This program has certainly been well received by the local community. We have 46 women and girls signed up for the program from all across the zone. It will be a massive stepping stone into the 2022 season for all those involved”
The Womens and Junior Girls Rugby Academy commenced on October 30 and runs through until March 19 2022. The Mid North Coast zone, along with the Waratahs will look to grow this program next summer to include male and female athletes.
