MORE than 280 Wallabies’ hopefuls have flocked to the University of New England this week to take part in the annual New England Mutual Rugby Camp.
The four-day coaching and training event is Australia’s largest residential rugby camp and has attracted participants, coaches, parents and supporters from across the nation.
Australian Rugby Union has sent 16 development staff to run the coaching and playing sessions including Try Rugby intensive sessions for eight to 10-year-olds.
Former Wallabies star and Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey was the guest speaker at the sponsor’s dinner at the Wicklow Hotel and will make the presentations.
Organiser Paul Schmude said enrolments for the camp were amongst the largest in recent years.
“It’s a good starting point for young players to get into a training program and fitness regime early in the year,” he said.
“One of the advantages of the camp is that they can improve their skills in an intensive training environment and also correct some of their bad habits and learn new techniques.
“We attract players at all levels from beginners to some who are quite experienced, but the consensus always is… everyone found it helped improve their game and they had a great time.
“The camaraderie developed at these camps can last a lifetime.”
New England Mutual chief marketing officer Darren Schaefer said the credit union was proud to have held the naming rights for the last three years and had sponsored the event for 2014.
“It is a great opportunity for young players to get a tune up to prepare them for the season ahead… also to learn from professional trainers,” he said.
“Some of the players have been coming for five or six years and there is always very positive feedback on how valuable it is to help shape their approach to the game.
“We believe the sports fields and residential colleges at UNE make it an ideal location and many members of our staff will serve as volunteers throughout the camp.”
Meanwhile, the Summer Sevens tournament resumes from the Christmas break on Friday evening.
Three matches will be played at Alcatraz Park, at the end of Kirkwood Street. It’s the penultimate round of competition, with the final matches to be played on 31 January.
