Varsity Cup

(Kick-off is SA time)

FINAL:

Monday, March 29:
Matsie v Ikeys (18.30)

Super 14

(Kick-off is GMT)

Friday, April 2:
H'canes v C'saders (06.35)
Force v Stormers (10.05)

Saturday, April 3:
Blues v Bulls (04.30)
Chiefs v H'landers (06.35)
W'tahs v Cheetah (08.40)
Sharks v Reds (15.05)

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Super 14

Saturday, March 27:
Hurricanes 26-29 Sharks
Waratahs 39-32 Blues
Force 15-28 Bulls

Friday, March 26:
Highlanders 39-29 Lions
Brumbies 30-23 Chiefs
Cheetahs 10-31 Reds

LIVE COVERAGE

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Newsletter

Super 14

'Tahs protect youngsters from prowlers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:56

The junior Waratahs pathway continues to provide players to the highest levels of the game with two more squad members signing Super Rugby contracts for the next two years.

Shute Shield Rookie of the Year Locky McCaffrey and Sydney University Premiership-winning prop Paddy Ryan have both been elevated from the junior Waratahs squad on deals which will take them through to the end of the 2012 season.

The pair join fellow junior Waratahs Kane Douglas and Patrick McCutcheon who also penned new deals with the Super Rugby squad this week.

While not yet making it onto the field, McCaffrey has already had a taste of what provincial rugby is all about after being selected in the 26-man touring squad which travelled to South Africa in February. A bolter for the tour, McCaffrey was then selected on the bench for the match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld but did not make it on for his debut cap.

Growing up in Sydney's south-west before attending St Ignatius' College, Riverview, McCaffrey played GPS first XV Rugby in 2007, but missed out on further representative honours due to injury.

In 2008 he was rewarded for his strong form with some game time in the top grade at Eastwood, and after establishing his place in the side in 2009 he was awarded the competition's inaugural Rookie of the Year Award.

Following the club season, McCaffrey graduated to the Junior Waratahs professional squad, and after playing well throughout the trials and in the 'A' program, he has now secured his place in the Super 14 squad for the next two years.

Paddy Ryan is a product of the Tamworth Pirates who played for NSW and Australian Schools in 2006 out of St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. After spending 2007 in Ireland, Ryan returned to Rugby in 2008 with Sydney University Colts.

In 2009 Ryan was selected for his first grade debut in round six against Northern Suburbs, and went on to help the Students claim their fifth straight premiership.

He joined the Junior Waratahs professional squad during the off-season and after improving throughout the 'A' program in 2010 was offered a place in the Super 14 squad.

Head coach Chris Hickey said the signing of both forwards was further evidence the NSW Rugby pathway is working by producing players capable of taking the next step in their careers.

"The Junior Waratahs program is set up to bring players through with the hope they'll develop into Super 14 footballers and we've seen over a period of time that it's certainly working," said Hickey.

"Rob Horne, Dan Palmer and Damien Fitzpatrick all came through the program over the last couple of years and this season Kane Douglas and Locky have been selected for Super 14 out of the Junior Waratahs.

"Locky has already had a glimpse of what is required at Super 14 level and we've had no hesitation in picking him for South Africa, and Michael Foley is really impressed with the progress Paddy has made since coming into the program.

"A lot of credit must go to Joe Barakat who is in charge of the Junior Waratahs program for continuing to identify, select and develop these players so they're ready to perform in Super 14."