FIRST TIME CHARM: Water Rats looking for junior players

RUGBY UNION: Eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return to the field, junior rugby union is gearing up for the 2020 season.

It’s the first time in a number of years the Warwick Water Rats will have a stand-alone team in the Downs Rugby competition, but to make it work they will team up with players and teams from Scots PGC College.

Junior director of rugby Anthony Savovski is eager to see what the new season holds.

“I think this year, gathering from what I’ve been told, there should be a greater interest from kids outside the Scots community,” Savovski said.

“I think we’ve got about eight to 10 kids from Allora, a couple from Christian College, and a few from Warwick State High and Assumption College.

“We won’t know for sure until Thursday when we have our first training.”

Despite competing in a predominantly league-dominated town, Savovski hopes to lure prospective players looking to make the code switch.

“I think, just with speaking with some of the kids that play league, they don’t always get a lot of game time because there’s a lot of kids playing,” he said.

“There is definitely scope for kids to play the game and still get plenty of minutes.”

While a number of players could potentially make the switch, the 15-a side game is one Savovski said anyone can get the hang of.

“There’s not much difference in the game really,” he said.

“One has got 15 kids and the other has got 13, however in every facet of the game the ball is contested.”

Training for the under 13s, 15s and 17s teams will take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 3.3pm to 5pm at Briggs Oval, Scot PGC College.

For more information on coaching staff and game times throughout the season, email warwickrugbyunion@gmail.com or contact the Warwick Rugby Union Club Facebook page.