Big opportunity for rugby young guns

A NEW talent identification program will give the region’s teenage rugby union stars an opportunity to take their game to the next level.

The Aussie Tyre Quotes Junior Boys’ Rugby Program kicks off at Jones Park, Westcourt, tonight at 6pm.

FNQ Rugby president John Pirie said the six-to-eight week program would be a mix of skill sessions and match simulation training.

“We will be identifying talent for two teams – an under-14s and an under-16s team – that will travel to the Junior Gold Cup state titles in Brisbane in the July school holidays,” he said.

“Queensland Reds talent identification staff will be coming up for one of the sessions to assess the Far North talent.”

Pirie said he was excited about the opportunities that will be available to local kids.

“You are going to have every Great Public and Associated school at the state competition,” he said.

“The carrot is that some of our kids could get asked to go and finish off their schooling at a Nudgee or a Brisbane Grammar or a Churchie – one of the real rugby nurseries in Australia.”

“Their education both on the field and off, through the roof.”

After the program, the selected teams will undertake weekly trainings in the lead-up to the Junior Gold Cup.

Ben Router, who coached rugby league club Ivanhoes to a CDRL premiership in 2016, will lead the under-16s with help from former Wallaby Troy Jacques, while Brothers mentor Sven Schafer will coach the under-14s. will go