It is often seen that rugby lacks the development programs and talent identification of other codes, but a recent article on the Rugby Heaven website seems to indicate that it is better developed than many think, just not perhaps publicised as much.
To take some quotes from National Development manager Ben Whittaker, (who used to be the Queenslad Development Manager): “One of the key things we’ve done is put in place a couple of programs in our national and junior Gold Squad program that now span the whole country to identify and then develop emerging talent.
“In the last 18 months we’ve got about 750 kids involved in the program at various levels. They range from 14 to 18 years of age.
“We’ve got 40 national talent scouts and we have development staff that oversee everything and are out there building the game and participation.”
Since its inception in 2004, the Gold Squad program has helped to shape 14 Wallabies, including O’Connor, Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Will Genia and David Pocock.
National development manager Whitaker said the future looked just as bright, with more than 750 junior footballers between 14 and 18 taking part in a range of daily, weekly and programs to prepare them for Super Rugby and international duty.
What do you think? Are the ARU doing the right thing or in your experience is this still lacking in talent spotting?
Bring Back Rucking
Guest
Speaking of promoting the juniors in the game I am looking for results from the weekend's State Championships I may have missed something but...Nothing on the Waratahs/NSW Rugby site, Nothing on NSW Juniors. way to go guys that's supporting junior rugby I would have thought NSW Rugby would be promoting it's own junior champions? Can someone steer me in the direction of where this might be recorded
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Typical of the ARU to have hidden their light under a bushell and not be announcing this for 7 years. They wonder why people think they are doing nothing when they allow that impression to operate. Do they expect we all attend the same tweed coat clubs and know this all on the quiet ..... ?
p.Tah
Guest
It's a very clever program. There is no point wasting millions casting the net wide in the hope of uncovering all undiscovered talent. It's a great allocation of limited resources. We've been asking the ARU to tell us what they are doing. Well done for listening and well done on the program.
p.Tah
Guest
LAS, similar situation happened to my cousin. He called the schools bluff and went to a rival school played in their 1st XV and the rep teams as part of the condition for joining the new school. His previous school regretted their decision. If enough kids do it ( it's a huge decision to change schools in your final years, it's not all about rugby) the schools will change.
Wall-Nut
Guest
I read the article on the development program the ARU created 7 years ago, I can see this program actively working now and for the future. Really has given the ARU a massive leg up. I've often wondered where our talent was several years ago, League was clearly pilfering our talent. Love this program and clearly has it's benefits. Where would we be if it weren't for it's introduction?!?!?! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
GRumblebum
Guest
Forty years ago, Melbourne ex & current Aussie Rules players came up to Queensland and got more than a leg into every school they could. How refreshing now to see players like Jonathan Brown mixing with kids in primary schools, running little competitions & handing out footies, year after year. Get our well paid Rugby players out amongst the schools in the off season. Bus the kids into rep team training in season & continue the Red's free passes to under 14 year olds, accompanied by an adult.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
I cannot fault the ARU talent guys. I have had personal interaction and found them to be both astute, strategic in their selections and correct. They are also keen on the players being the full article, educated and good footy players. Bravo....... They are not helped by the schools, the junior rep team selectors nor a lack of resources. For example, ARU selected a Sydney kid, no names, but a fly half. throws a lovely pass, is elusive without being another Beale, smart and educated and a lovely kid. He led his rep team to a win in the State champs, couldn't make the next level rep team, but got a gig in the barbarians, the flotsam and jetsam team. Got a spot in the Australian Championships and went on to be the official player of the tournament.......... did anyone say anything to the junior selectors. In the next year, his school would not release him to play in the State championships even though it was on a weekend when there was no school rugby................
Tonguescruber
Guest
Well done ben. I think we can all be part of a problem but only a handful of us have a solution and even fewer who actively go out and make a difference, even if it is behind the scenes. Australian Rugby will always be game changers and breakers with dedicated personel who give a damn and give it a go! Well done Ben and all supporters. Go the Wallabies ! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.