Which clubs are the Class of 2010 going to?

[the berries]

This comment drives the class structure debate. Beneath them. What does that mean? Parra had a proud history and played with the true spirit of rugby. Please lets not say one team or another is beneath some body. This is just not right. And I don't think you meant your comment to sound bad. Rugby is a game played all over the world by all types of people. Help develope the code not fractionate it.

 

[the berries]

Hello Bruce. I am by no means an expert on this subject. And that is an understatement. But when the leagues clubs were offering contracts and dangling carrots to my boy and others a few years back. Uni places and HECS fees were included as was weekly spending money, fares ect. I can tell you that Penrith were puting up 45,000 in uni fees for selected players fresh from school. And that is a fact. Managers use this type of tool to convince youngsters to sign with them. BUT remember we are talking top shelf players. My son got an apprenticeship no way could he do a uni course, But he now has a real pathway in life and is totally looked after medically ( even dental which he really smashed) Top players are offered top deals by these rich leagues clubs and there sponsors.

 

[the berries]

If the kids can get a spot at Uni and get a degree good stuff. The kids have got to look after themselves and if the club UNI is willing to support top talent all the better. I say good on Uni as a club for fostering development opportunities for these kids. Pity we can't get professions to band together to support kids and career opportunities. We must extend the old boys network.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I've got to say that I'm dismayed by the attitude towards Uni. I know I'm not a Sydney rugby guy and my comments may not be relevant, but I have played the majority of my club footy at a Uni (UWA) club and I don't think any of the other clubs are any different in their approach. In fact, in my time playing the game, our suburban neighbours were guilty of far worse than us in terms of player recruitment. All through the grades, the majority of our players were students at the campus or alumni and proud club people. A few went to different clubs after they graduated, but many stayed and kept the club going.

The thing to remember is that many of the guys playing for the Uni sides across the country have probably come from playing exclusively at school and are not affiliated with a club. That is certainly the case in WA. If they are going on to study, where better to play than that place?

 

[lily]

I think what Uni achieves for their student/rugby players is fantastic.

The progression from schoolboy to senior ranks in any sport is difficult and many athletes drop out. Many find it impossible to combine tertiary study, work and their chosen sport.

Sydney Uni offer scholarships, excellent rugby development and a desire to help their members achieve academically. They are successful because that is what young men want and need.

Rather than complain about unfair advantages, clubs such as Eastwood and Randwick could have their colts affiliated with and playing out of Macquarie and NSW Universities and offer similar programs. There is probably a tertiary institution for every club

This way all clubs could offer better facilities, help their players with their education and more importantly provide a transition between schoolboy and senior rugby.

That is a little simplistic. Who do Manly hook up with. Maybe the Hospitality College on North Head. Why would UNSW have a relationship with Randwick when they already have a rugby program playing in the Suburban Rugby competitions?
Same goes for Macquarie Uni.
Maybe you could enlighten us.

 

[lily]

I've got to say that I'm dismayed by the attitude towards Uni. I know I'm not a Sydney rugby guy and my comments may not be relevant, but I have played the majority of my club footy at a Uni (UWA) club and I don't think any of the other clubs are any different in their approach. In fact, in my time playing the game, our suburban neighbours were guilty of far worse than us in terms of player recruitment. All through the grades, the majority of our players were students at the campus or alumni and proud club people. A few went to different clubs after they graduated, but many stayed and kept the club going.

The thing to remember is that many of the guys playing for the Uni sides across the country have probably come from playing exclusively at school and are not affiliated with a club. That is certainly the case in WA. If they are going on to study, where better to play than that place?

The criticism relates to the University being a tax payer funded institution. Therefore there is an unfair advantage. No other club can offer the same program or facilities but a tiny part of everyones taxes can go to maintaining their dominance over all other clubs.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The criticism relates to the University being a tax payer funded institution. Therefore there is an unfair advantage. No other club can offer the same program or facilities but a tiny part of everyones taxes can go to maintaining their dominance over all other clubs.

I acknowledge that Uni is taxpayer funded (but that is not their sole funding source), but is the Uni Rugby club taxpayer funded??

I may be wrong but not all Uni rugby players are at Uni receiving full fee free scholarships for their education.
Like many of the private school "scholarships", many of the supposed full fee free scholarships for the select few Uni players are funded through second party organisations associated with the Uni Rugby Club. In this instance there would be little or no taxpayer funds "misdirected" to the rugby programme.
I am sure that the other "benefits" of Uni are not provided free of charge to the Uni Rugby Club. I reckon that the University Accountants are applying a full "user pays" philosophy to balance their books in relation to services provided to sporting associations on campus.

Like all clubs, Uni Rugby club would have a fair amount of outgoings related to maintaining their infrastructure and overheads (grounds, training equipment, gym, physio, medical, coaches, player payments etc).

I would be most surprised if the University Administrators and Senate allowed one extra schekel of their budget (I am told that well over half the budget to run Sydney Uni comes from sources other than taxpayers) to be "misappropriated" by the rugby club.

 

[Boomy]

So.....what was the topic again?

 

[Lee Grant]

I can sense Brucie cracking his knuckles at the keyboard.

 

[Bruce Ross]

I can sense Brucie cracking his knuckles at the keyboard.

Not really, Life's Good. Hugh Janus covered the situation with Uni Rugby's relationship with the University quite well.

As you know I have gone to some pains earlier to try to explain the Sydney Uni system. Overall I think there has been a reasonably balanced discussion in this thread.

One member speculated on whether I had a conscience. There may be some things in my life that I'm not particularly proud of, but my involvement in helping kids achieve their potential across a wide range of sports as well as their academic potential doesn't cause me to lose any sleep.

Truth is multi-facetted. It depends where you're looking from.

 

[pitbull]

Yeah anyway, who is going where?
Any comments as to what level they will be playing, as a rookie, in the academy etc.?
Ben Volavola went from GPS 3rds last year to 1st Grade 5/8 for pirates. In addition to this he is now the 3rd reserve 5/8 for the waratahs after just several weeks with the academy. Players can improve leaps and bounds once out of the high school bubble, and vice-versa.
Does anyone have any valuable/interesting information that doesnt involve any of the boring talk we've experienced over the last two pages?

 

[sportsfan]

PB you seem to have good info on the Newington boys; What will Roach be doing next year. He was a real standout this season and has been since picked in GPS 2's in year 10

 

[AussieDominance]

PB you seem to have good info on the Newington boys; What will Roach be doing next year. He was a real standout this season and has been since picked in GPS 2's in year 10

Since year 10 more like his whole life!

 

[Elfster]

He was last year, but does anyone know when and where Stirzaker will pop back into the scene? He was more than a useful halfback, though probably would need a year or two in colts etc...

 

[AussieDominance]

He was last year, but does anyone know when and where Stirzaker will pop back into the scene? He was more than a useful halfback, though probably would need a year or two in colts etc...

He is on a GAP year in the UK. Last I heard either Gordon or Uni.

 

[groger]

is voalvoa really 3rd 5/8 for the tahs?
wow thats incredible for someone still eligable to play school.
The decision to put him in 3rds last year was a disgrace .. he was clearly the best flyhalf in the comp.

 

[qwerty51]

is voalvoa really 3rd 5/8 for the tahs?
wow thats incredible for someone still eligable to play school.
The decision to put him in 3rds last year was a disgrace .. he was clearly the best flyhalf in the comp.

He's not eligible to play school. That's why he didn't play this year.

 

[QuadeCooperFan]

may i ask what you mean by 'still eligible to play in school'?

 

[Upright]

Yeah anyway, who is going where?
Any comments as to what level they will be playing, as a rookie, in the academy etc.?
Ben Volavola went from GPS 3rds last year to 1st Grade 5/8 for pirates. In addition to this he is now the 3rd reserve 5/8 for the waratahs after just several weeks with the academy. Players can improve leaps and bounds once out of the high school bubble, and vice-versa.
Does anyone have any valuable/interesting information that doesnt involve any of the boring talk we've experienced over the last two pages?

Lindommer where are you? Can you confirm this re BV as a visit to the Waratahs site does not list him in either Academy Squad (pro or non pro) - or has he just been asked to come down for a run?

BTW how did BV get into 1st grade did Jai Ayoud get injured as he looked OK but is no longer listed in any grade at Wests?

 

[The Chosen]

He is on a GAP year in the UK. Last I heard either Gordon or Uni.

Correct- I spoke to his Dad after Knox vs Barker game (still a younger brother @ Knox). Nick is returning from Gap Year( in Oxford) early next month so as to have a specialist look at his ankle. Same problem that caused him to come home early from Aust Schoolboys tour. Apparently he has seen 2 doctors ( not sure if specialists or not) whilst in the UK but ankle is still playing up.
I posed the question as to who he would be playing for when & if injury rectified. Understand firm decision not made yet- he will be attending Sydney Uni however there are strong ties to Gordon, current Colts coaches had him as a Gordon Junior from 10 years up to the 15s( I think)- I'm hoping that Club loyalty will be a strong factor in final decision.