The sage
Vay Wilson (31)
He played NRC and this U20s comp.
I definitely do not think club rugby is preferably to playing the best age group players in the world in a professional environment.
I disagree with that. Think hard club rugby is perfect for developing these players. Why do u think qld players (some playing elsewhere now I.e. Rebels & act 20's) got their start? From being good schoolboy rugby players? No, not entirely, it's From playing hard club rugby in a strong club rugby environment.
We were fortunate to have a great group of players in qld Prem colts last year (combined with those that played grade) and the results are on the board. Just ask HTC and others.
I clearly remember the day (70's, 80's and 90's) when international players from our club would celebrate after a test fly up on Sunday and play club (probably half cut). It inspires the other club players and makes the competition hard. It's sad when rep players don't really play for a club; oh yes they are associated with a club, but they don't really fit in, like they should. Must be lonely for them. Plus they don't get to hon in on skills or developing new skills on lesser skilled opposition. Anyways...
Imo any hard rugby is good rugby for these young men; the more the better; rather then treating them like princes and putting them in cotton wool. I believe this is why club and lower provincial rugby is the basis of kiwi rugby; and I think that they have had periods of success.
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