Super Rugby Australia - U19 and U16

[moa999]

Posted this yesterday, but think it got lost in a forum reset.

Anyhow Rugby Australia this week announced Super Rugby Australia, a short off-season comp to take place in September and October, involving the four Australian Super Rugby teams, presumably minus the Wallabies Squads (who have games against Argentina and NZ)

Seemingly being run as a replacement to the former NRC.

Rugby Australia confirms new domestic Super Rugby AUS competition to kick off in September

www.rugby.com.au

More importantly for the schoolboys, or recently graduated schoolboys, it also includes U19 and U16 comps.

U19 comp to run Saturday 27 September to Sunday 2 November, as double headers with the main comp.

U16 competition will start two weeks later, running from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 2 November.

All games on Stan Sport.

Tough choice for those selected who would be sitting their HSC over this period.

 

[bomber06]

They played the same things last year albeit not in conjunction with men's games.

Doubt many will be doing HSC, they'll either have finished last year and be in the U19s or be too young.

That's why they play U19s rather than U18s.

 

[The Cleaner]

I wonder how NSW will go in both age group this year. They tend to do well in the U16 then FAIL in U19.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

FAIL is on the harsh side but fair given their dominance through 16s and 18s in the last few years.

Brumbies deserve credit for astute recruitment in the 19s really. NSW has only lost what 3 games in 2 years in the 19s. QLD is probably the one really desperate for a win. Haven't won it and haven't beaten NSW in it yet.

 

[The Cleaner]

TGOR do you think the boys who are in year 12 now will qualify to play in the NSW U19? The likes of Grover, Fonua, Lavercombe etc Or will they only play U18 then wait for next year? I remember Kingsley Uys had a little stint in the Reds U19 after playing Austalian 18. I don't think any of the boys in the AUS U18 played for NSW U19 though. But I could be wrong.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I don’t think so unless there is a gap in the squad and they are truly exceptional and physically advanced. How does it lineup with the HSC timings?

Some boys last year like Brial who missed 18s are now in the Aus 20s so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a guy like Grover go from 18s to two years in Aus 20s with one year next year in 19s. I think these guys are getting a lot of footy now compared to 10 years ago. Many of the GPS rep players will get 20 comp/rep games + 3-5 holiday/trial games.

I don’t mind a bit of reward for Club Rugby performance in the 19s. Keeps the net wide and does help sides like Brums and Force get a look at more guys which this comp is good for.

I will say if it was the difference between keeping a talent in Rugby over going to League then pick them… kind of sucks but Rugby should use it. The old Toyota/holden Cup was garbage but it captured kids who felt part of the pro organisations.