HUNTER Sports High School’s new rugby program might not have made any difference to Mollie Gray’s rugby journey, but the Maitland-bred Wallaroos believes the breakthrough initiative will lay the foundation for many others to strive for Olympic glory.
The Gateshead school will start a girls’ targeted sports program for the code next year, offering students from years seven to 12 girls’ rugby as an elective course. Those accepted will have three hours of coaching and development across strength and conditioning, core skills, sports science, nutrition, dieting, physiotherapy and recovery as well as exposure to state competitions.
It is believed to be a first for female rugby in NSW high schools and comes as the sevens format of the game prepares for its introduction to the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.