I am only mildy (if that) interested in what clubs 1st XV players are going to. I am more interested in see kids from the 3rds,4ths etc all the way down deciding to keep playing rugby and what the best options are.
What are subbies colts like ?
@Ted S, I have reposted your question on this thread. You may get more of a detailed response there.
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/sydney-subbies-2014.13573/page-28
I will shortly add a "Where are the Class of 2014 off to" Thread. As you infer, most of the talk on that thread will be about the Rockstars and their club choices, with scant regard for the masses in the 2nds to the 11ths,
In very general terms, Shute Shield colts is pretty much for the serious folk who are capable of training twice (and more) per week. Even down in 3rds, the kids take their footy relatively seriously, but they still manage a fair bit of fart arseing around with their mates. Similar in Colts 2. Colts 1 is pretty serious stuff (at training and game time).
Subbies has about 6 Divisions, with a variety of Grade and Colts teams within each Division. Some Divisions don't have colts teams. There is some talk that some clubs practice shamateurism and certain players may receive payment for playing. This practice is not very widespread, with most Subbies clubs running on the vapours from an oily rag, perhaps not dissimilar to the Junior Village Club models you may be familiar with.
One fairly significant difference is that Subbies Colts is Under 21 years, while Shute Shield is Under 20 years.
Obviously as you go down the grades and divisions in Subbies, the balance between full on training and games, and the more social aspects of footy changes somewhat. Beer is fairly important, as is camaraderie and the social aspects of the game.
In short, there are plenty of opportunities for kids who want to play Rugby after Graduation at whatever level they feel comfortable with, and have the time and energy to commit to.
Nearly all Subbies clubs would welcome a gang of former 3rd XV - 6th XV GPS players with open arms.
Most importantly, kids will want to play footy where their mates are playing. With some AAGPS schools drawing kids from a fairly wide catchment, this may involve some travel for the younger Ted S's, unless they can convince their far away mates to join them at a club near you.
I hope AAGPS, ISA, and CAS collectively produce a bumper crop of Colts for the Shute Shield, and Subbies clubs around the place. (Many interested CHS, CCC and AICES lads are already there).
