By MARK CASHMAN

Plans are on foot for a Shute Shield All Stars side to take on the Waratahs in a two-game series in December.

The dates scheduled for the salivating series of matches are December 11 and 18, right at the end of the Waratahs’ pre-Christmas training block with venues and kick-off times yet to be settled upon.

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman had a Zoom meeting with all the clubs last week and while there was some concern about the risk of injury and timing the overall vibe about the concept has been positive.

The “All Stars v The Tahs” series is major evidence that the grassroots of the game will be brought along on the journey as Coleman goes about the major job of turning the NSW side into a winning, supported and loved side.

Leichhardt Oval, Brookvale Oval or even Pittwater Rugby Park would be available at that time of the year.

The Shute Shield produces the vast majority of contracted rugby players in the Australian Super Rugby franchises and already this year the likes of the Donato brothers James and Dan (Italy), Jack Digby (UK), Nick Champion de Crespigny (Castres in France) and Ben Hughes (NEC Green Rockets) have all taken up deals overseas.

“We’ve already had a catch up with the Shute Shield coaches and clubs to run the idea by them and if we get the right sort of buy in and the COVID situation settles down we will take the next step,” Coleman told Rugby News.

“The idea works on a number of fronts with the Tahs and the Premier Rugby clubs getting the chance to test their hard work in training in game time situations.

“For the some of the Waratahs (like Will Harrison and Ben Donaldson among others) it’s been a long time between games so it’s a real carrot to work towards.

“We’ve only got two official trials before the start of the Super Rugby season so it’s a real chance to dust the cobwebs off and develop our game style.

“On top of that guys on the edges of the squad get the chance to make an impression on the selectors before the start of our new year training block.”

A final decision on whether the “All Stars v The Tahs” concept is a goer will need to be made early in October.

That will, amongst other things, give the Shute Shield side the chance to prepare adequately.

“All the Shute Shield clubs have missed a hell of a lot of footy and it will give them the chance to experience the joy of playing once again,” Coleman added.

“They also get the chance to test themselves against the contracted guys at the Waratahs and impress all the coaches at Daceyville.”