UNE, NSW Rugby now partners in regional Rugby development

May 03, 2007

Grass-roots Rugby Union across the New England region is to benefit from a new joint venture between Sport UNE at the University of New England and NSW Rugby.

"In partnership with NSW Rugby, Sport UNE has just taken on the Rugby development in the area," announced Rugby Development Manager at Sport UNE, Dave Schmude.

"We now have Andrew Moore based out here," Mr Schmude said. "He will be the Development Officer; my role is Development Manager. Our goals will be to increase the profile of the sport in the area – from juniors right through to senior players and officials."

"NSW Rugby's presence in New England is now based at UNE, and will be for the next 12 months at least," he said.

According to Mr Schmude, the joint venture with Rugby NSW demonstrates the important role that Sport UNE can play in the New England region. "Here at Sport UNE we've got a bit of a 'sporting Mecca'," he said. "We can draw upon great sporting facilities here. Sport UNE provides an ideal central base from which Andrew and I can work closely together, combining our expertise with what is available here to keep building the profile of Rugby Union. There is extensive expertise at Sport UNE in organising events and training clinics."

"To have NSW Rugby tap into the physical and human resources here is a real coup for Rugby in the New England region and the University," he added.

"In my role as a Rugby development officer, I'll be working alongside Dave, getting into the schools around the region," Mr Moore said. "I'll be going there through various classes, and extra activities we'll organise with the Principals and sports coordinators. We've already touched base with Glen Innes and Guyra. It was great: the kids there were really enthusiastic.

"The priority with our school visits will be fun. It's important for kids to enjoy Rugby, so that they might take an interest in it in their later years. We'll put them through drills and skills – the basics. Generally, our aim is to increase the presence of Rugby in the community from the grass-roots up."

A PHOTOGRAPH of Andrew Moore is displayed here.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at May 3, 2007 03:59 PM