'Tahs to develop on tour in Fiji
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:45
The New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) confirmed that the 'Junior' Waratahs will undertake a 10-day development tour to Fiji in October.
A 26-man squad will play two matches against the Fiji Warriors and Nadi, with non-Wallaby Super 14 squad members joining Junior Waratahs players on the tour.
"NSW Rugby has a strong relationship with Fiji Rugby and this tour is an opportunity not only to further that partnership but also provide an important element in the development of the extended squad ahead of the 2009 Super 14," said Waratahs coach Chris Hickey.
"I've just come back from Fiji and witnessed some unbelievably high quality Rugby. We'll be taking our strongest possible squad barring injury and Wallaby duties to ensure we meet the challenge.
"Nadi are going to be a tough outfit, while the Fiji Warriors have a number of players with Test and international Sevens experience for Fiji, so we can't take these matches lightly.
"The priority at the moment is the Shute Shield, but as teams are eliminated, players will become part of a preliminary squad we expect to name in mid-September."
Hickey stressed the importance of touring, highlighting the number of players who have come through the ranks after impressing on Waratahs Development Tours in the past.
"The benefits of touring are clear. Players like Al Campbell, Stephen Hoiles, Benn Robinson, Dean Mumm, Cliffy Palu, Cameron Shepherd, Al Kanaar, Brett Sheehan, Sam Norton-Knight and Lachie Turner have all gone on from Waratahs Development tours to represent the Wallabies within a few years which I think highlights how touring as a professional outfit can help players go to that next level," said Hickey.
Following the strong crowds in Fiji during the International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup, a passionate welcome is expected when the Junior Waratahs arrive in the South Pacific.
"Fiji loves its Rugby but it doesn't get the best teams touring there too often," said Hickey. "The Fiji Rugby Union is extremely excited about this tour and I know the Fijian public will come out in their droves to watch the Junior Waratahs.
"We're going to conduct a mid-week coaching clinic while we're there which will be a great experience for the locals as well as the players."
Overseas tours have become an important off-season element of the Waratahs squad development, having visited Argentina in 2004, Eastern Europe in 2005, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2006.
Due to the Australian Rugby Championship and World Cup, no development tour was undertaken in 2007.
Junior Waratahs development tour:
6 Oct - Junior Waratahs v Nadi at Prince Charles Park, Nadi
11 Oct - Junior Waratahs v Fiji Warriors at Churchill Park, Lautoka
