They didn't field a U18 side this year due to budget restrictions.
They didn't field a U18 side this year due to budget restrictions.
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Why does it have to be at school?
I agree they don't have the resources and the state unions doesn't have the funding to do anything there anyway
JRugby2
Ted Thorn (20)
Going to public/ state schools are (mostly) free and don't require an additional time commitment I suppose, unlike clubs.
I'd question whether we are actually missing out on signing or developing players who have genuine capacity to turn pro - just because they don't go to a rugby/private school. All of the super rugby sides have academy programs and there is talent ID work taking place at club and school levels.
I'd argue our bigger issue is that the neck of the funnel is waaaaaay too narrow for us to continue to support these players from schools/colts into professionals, not that private schools seem to be doing most of the heavy lifting in the early days.
One example: last years Aus u18 halfback is playing club rugby over in Auckland this season to find development opportunities with the Blues.
I think the point Strewthcobber was making was whether any of these kids did all their schooling at public high school as opposed to them playing their rugby at a public high school.
I don't think anyone really has any reasonable/serious expectation that kids will be playing rugby at their public high school these days. That horse has long since bolted.
I don't think anyone really has any reasonable/serious expectation that kids will be playing rugby at their public high school these days. That horse has long since bolted.
JRugby2
Ted Thorn (20)
At their rugby club.
I.e. in the current Wallaby squad Jake Gordon didn't go to a private school so all his junior rugby was through a club or clubs.
JRugby2
Ted Thorn (20)
I'd guess it would be incredibly difficult to roll out a successful development program into rugby clubs who's playing stock could be so volatile (especially in those teenage years) - and those standout players like your Jake Gordons would probably make it through the system anyway - provided there was at least was some opportunity to play?
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Our current under 18 development team would suggest not
Who is the halfback?
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Pretty sure Hwi Sharples has been playing for Sydney Uni and training with the Tahs 1st grade prior to his injury with the Aus 20s.
I know there is more than one Halfback in the squad....
Is it finding development of the Blues recruiting?
I know there is more than one Halfback in the squad....
Is it finding development of the Blues recruiting?
JRugby2
Ted Thorn (20)
Luke Aitken
Yes a quick search and you find he has already made the U20 Auckland Blues squad. They obviously see something in him that our pathways programs don't.
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
Watched the U20ABs vs Ireland earlier, a good bloody game. As a Kiwi, my thoughts as I watched were, The Clan need to make sure they got Pledger the 9 tied in, he is seriously good. Likewise for Blues with Rico Simpson, looks like an AB 10 for 31 and 35 WCs, beautifully balanced player. For Canes Bason the hooker and capt I sure will be signed up, another who looks an AB in future to me.
The Whisperer
Alfred Walker (16)
I struggle to believe Australia is picking the best available players in the U20.
How did Dre Pakeho not get picked when playing 1st Grade for Brothers- arguably the best club team in Australia currently and played the house down for the Reds against an international side on Friday night???
another example in QLD. Jake Kurbatoff is currently playing 1st grade for Souths after being named QRU U20 player of the year in 2023, yet Dom Thygessen from the same club but playing Colts gets picked over him???
How did Dre Pakeho not get picked when playing 1st Grade for Brothers- arguably the best club team in Australia currently and played the house down for the Reds against an international side on Friday night???
another example in QLD. Jake Kurbatoff is currently playing 1st grade for Souths after being named QRU U20 player of the year in 2023, yet Dom Thygessen from the same club but playing Colts gets picked over him???
mrsunnydays
Frank Row (1)
Well done to all players who contributed to the u20s campaign and hopefully they got a lot out of the experience on and off the field to bring home and share.
Yer a lot of talent left out & a few late surprises by the one-eyed decision makers, if you speak with folk who actually know all the top talent across Aust...
Where was Callan Grey, as he must have been a better option as a game manager/ball player than the young second 10 to Harry M-P.
Surprised not to see Will McCulloch get a run over there?
As you said in-form Prem grade players Dre Pakeho has been smashing it and also Finn Prass both are only 19 from Brisbane who can play multiple positions and have been consistently outstanding playing Prem (not Colts) all season & they like others didn't get a look in on any of it this year...
Lots to unpack, yes conditions no favourable, but cannot sugar coat it, Aust have a long way to go, so hoping RA restructure their focus/people and make some big changes for next year!
Should advertise their first junior clubs as league does.
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
I think the reality is a lot of our players don't have a junior club.
Straight from league into a school side
Steve_Grey
Darby Loudon (17)
Good news is Nathan Grey's tenure is over - one to forget - he'll find himself at home in Japan. I refuse to believe we don't have at least two players who can compete for every position and not bring the standard down when used, and keep the incumbents honest.
England and France used over 30 different players in their starting 15, we used maybe 5 different starters? - we (JWBs) even had some U18s in the squad - we have better 20 year old players across the country - identification is the key.
Not sure if this is the right time, but I would love to see someone like Michael Hooper coach U20s (with an experienced sidekick) - get some emotion back into the side.
JWBs punched under their weight sadly, due to the selections mentioned above and others.