The positive response to Come and Try rugby sessions across the lower north coast area appears to be an indication of the quality of talent ready to light up the field in years to come.
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Sessions were held in Old Bar, Taree and Gloucester this past week, with budding rugby players aged between six and 14 taking the field to learn the basics of the sport such as catching and passing, evasion, tackling and the breakdown.
Lower Mid North Coast junior rugby union president Aaron Dodds said the session catered for players who are familiar with the sport as well as those who have never picked up a rugby ball.
"They learn to play as part of a team which is so important," he said.
"There's so much excitement in the air at the moment due to the calibre of kids who are doing well in rugby.
"It's about building for the future and growing our juniors for the years to come."
The Taree session was led by Waratahs rugby development officer Lisa Vogel, Monique Foster, Sheridan Clarke, Natika Ridgeway, Sienna Limpic and Keely Holden and involved 16 boys and girls.
Wet and muddy conditions didn't deter the players from having fun and developing their rugby skills.
There are sessions still to be held at Forster and Nabiac and alongside the Get Into Rugby program and school based initiatives provide a complete package for the next generation of players to develop their passion for the sport.
"It's taken two to three years to get to where we are now so we're headed in the right direction," Aaron said.
The lower mid north coast area continues to breed quality athletes, such as Gloucester's Charlotte Maslen and Wallamba five-eighth Courtney Currie, who have had representative opportunities.
"Women are building a culture where they've stepped up from touch (football) to fast paced, running rugby," Aaron said.
"You just look at the rugby sevens side in the Olympics- it's fantastic to see."
The Get Into Rugby program begins on February 14 at Nabiac. It will involve a series of training sessions and matches.