NSW AAGPS 2025

[fortheloveofthegame]

For context, when did Grammar last produce a Wallaby captain or even a Wallaby cap? Also, when did they last produce an Olympic rowing medallist?

 

[Joker]

They did produce Andrew "Boy" Charlton.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boy_Charlton

 

[Flak]

Has anyone heard anything about the Scots 7s tournament?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

So a very narrow set of perennial favourites play 12 months a year. The northern hemisphere laughs. So what

Yes it is, but whats the answer?

This is a Rugby fans problem in Aus. We pick and poke at administrations (I do it all he time) but do we contemplate why they are doing it the way they are?

How does a sport that is in the second tier or sports nationally garner the resources to spoil everyone with abundant games. Rugby have to do their best to identify well direct what they have.

There are more boys and girls now getting games then ever before. The split between Aus 18s and Aus School boys may have confused many but a by product of it has seen players who may have been the 4th or 5th player in their position nationally now get more games post school season.

 

[GTPIH]

I think a couple of lean years ahead for Grammar rugby, particularly with the current headmasters' total focus on academics and distinct dislike for rugby

Current Headmaster is leaving.

 

[KentwellCup>ShuteShield]

Patiently awaitng @Joker Cranbrook v Scots story.

 

[Joker]

Oh yes. Have not forgotten. Just been getting the facts correct. I have had to delve into the Scots Old Boy community who are divided on me. Just ask @Balmain Subbies. There are plenty who will buy me a drink and some who will throw me in the drink. In the meantime check out my book.

 

[KentwellCup>ShuteShield]

Would pay money to read that. Need to sit down with the Joker and pick your brain and learn some AAGPS lore.

 

[Joker]

I am always available for a chat and a beer. I have met up with other members in the past. Good to know the face behind the avatar.

 

[Mr Burns]

Anyone have thoughts on how Newington will go this year with the appointment of Ben Herring as the director of Rugby? Surely they will be on the improve.

 

[rugbyfootyguy]

At your service Mr Burns,

I really believe it will all depend on the Heamasi Makasini situation......... the situation being if in his tigers contract they allow him to play this season. ( Similar to Joseph Sua'ali' when he was at school and contracted to the roosters). Makasini is the type of player that can change a whole team and its dynamic, it would be a real shame if we don't get to see him play at his schoolboy prime. But that's not to say Newington will have another disappointing season, with players like Callum Grantham, Braith Sloane, Kden Carter and many more, they can perform well this season. And now with guidance from Ben Herring they can definitely take the next step. Ultimately I believe if Makasini is given the thumbs up to play and Herring changes the dynamic to Newington Rugby, I genuinely believe they have a shot at contending for a title this season. The true dark horse of the competition.

Cheerio,

therugbyfootyguy

 

[rugboy]

While I understand the Tigers aren't going to stop Makasini from playing GPS rugby, I'm not so sure a winger is a make-or-break when considering the Newington's chances. I'm far more concerned with how they replace Rodwell at 10 than whether Makasini plays. I do believe Herring will add significant value to the program though. IMO, whether Bassingthaite and Large play (hopefully both will) will have a far greater bearing on their team's successes.

 

[Joker]

The role of Director of Rugby seems to be a loose term for 1st XV coach. The ones I have seen seem to be almost quasi-coaches of the top team. In my years at Scots College there was no director rugby when I arrived. The were coaches appointed for the 1st XV firstly from the teaching staff like Pete Graham and Paul Cooper. They still had a full teaching load as well as coach the team. Most schools had this for over 100 years. Then the arms races began and coaching began to change.

Early saw schools was enticing players to the school for year 12. Fees were paid somehow but not the family. If the boy had a league team connection clubs then would pay. But what about these coaches and DOR?

It became apparent at Scots that the elusive premiership was slipping away. They had "new" players but not the right "coach". This was when Scots started to bring in outside coaches. They had some effect but they too were being hampered by school commitments. It was only when the very first full time DOR appeared in 2009 did se see Scots suddenly improve. NOT all the teams, just one. The 1st XV.

During my final year at Scots I was MIC of Prep rugby and a coach. I organized coaching sessions for the coaches (mostly hired outsiders) on how they can coach their team in special areas like scrums, lineouts, tackling and so forth. Plus each week I would speak to coaches and attend sessions for the under 9's bringing along some of my lads. Not once did I see the DOC of rugby anywhere near the Prep boys.

What really got up my nose was this. I had a very good Prep 1st XV team. We lost one game to Waverley (led round the park by Tom Wright) but from my team I had 4 boys selected for the NSWCIS Primary rugby team ( I was assistant coach), 7 for the NSWCIS Primary shadow team and then one of my lads made the NSW Primary team. At the end of the season rugby presentations the Director espoused how "his" rugby program has seen great success in the Prep. Not a word of thanks or commendation.

Directors may give off the air that all will suddenly will be much better. It often comes down to cattle. Newington has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with league clubs who park their recruits at Stanmore. One whisper has come to me that one poly family who have three prospects have gone cold on Stanmore as the "new" students will distract their sons from for their studies.

I do hope the new Director at Newington focuses on up skilling the coaches of every team. The most important team at any school should be "the team I play in" and not the pointy end of the pyramid.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I don't believe a new DoR has any real effect on a season from year one. Does a new Headmaster result in improved HSC results immediately? If you are serious about the appointment it should be from looking ahead 5-10 years and the processes installed re coaching and players.

Newington have talent. Always have, but it is how it all gets put together on the park that has been the problem. Last year looked like a step in the right direction but I also need to acknowledge the impact Rodwell could have on games by himself.

A priority for the new DoR should be to find a way to get Newington into the 3rd XV comp. From there have your A-Cs always playing other schools A-Cs. May be some blow outs but you build depth, learn what is needed and identify the kid who may actually be a good fundamental player but because he is playing v the Joeys Es the coaches of the Newington As don't take as much notice.

Is Newingtons goal to be a strong program year on year that never really dips too low? or are they only focused on the 1st XV and win a comp once every 5-10 years with an exceptional side but in other years will collect the spoon? The current path seems to be the latter which inevitably ends up having this same discussion because it's unfulfilling.

 

[Rudderless]

Well written.
Depth in players when injuries kick in seems to derail each season especially that there’s now 10 Rounds.

 

[Footy head]

While I understand the Tigers aren't going to stop Makasini from playing GPS rugby, I'm not so sure a winger is a make-or-break when considering the Newington's chances. I'm far more concerned with how they replace Rodwell at 10 than whether Makasini plays. I do believe Herring will add significant value to the program though. IMO, whether Bassingthaite and Large play (hopefully both will) will have a far greater bearing on their team's successes.

Callum Grantham or Keone Antilea-toussious are the most likely options, these players are both greatly skilled and are great. replacemetns for Rodwell.

-Footyhead

 

[Homer]

As an old boy I just want to see the age groups competing at a high level (A v A, B v B, C v C) and the school winning more than they lose against GPS schools. By focusing on that depth and culture the wins will eventually come in the opens.
Trickle down rugby skills do not exist, build from the bottom up for a sustainable program. If the DOR focuses on the opens then it is just more wasted money chasing short term highs.

 

[Rudderless]

Well done to Hadley Tonga from the Kings School

 

[GPS Observer]

Newington have a very talented player list and whilst Heamasi would be fantastic to watch, and I hope we get to see him, the player list under the guidance of the new director of rugby should be more than capable of competing.

 

[CasualObserver]

For context, when did Grammar last produce a Wallaby captain or even a Wallaby cap? Also, when did they last produce an Olympic rising medalist?

From what i can see on google, 2030 it will be the 100 year anniversary of the birth of the most recent Grammar Wallaby Captain or Test cricketer.

Also, any word on "cricket school" Kings doing anything on 11 April to celebrate 170 years since the birth of their only Test player, Hugh Massie.