Adam Freier passes on some technique tips. Photo: Ric McLallen

by Tom Connor/Jim Davis –

Randwick Rugby Club stepped up their preseason preparations last weekend as players past and present descended upon Latham Park for the annual Club Legends Development Day.

Randwick Legends at Development Day. Back L to R: Gary Ella, James Holbeck, Brad Burke, Alan Gaffney, Matt Bowman, Stephen Hoiles, Warwick Waugh, Stu Pinkerton, Stu Rutherford, Tim Keleher, Glen Ella, Jim McKay. Front L to R: Pat Phibbs, Willie Gordon, Arthur Little, Adam Freier. All photos: Ric McLallen

The Wicks called upon many of their rugby legends to share their rugby experiences and pass on some invaluable knowledge to the current crop of players who will pull on the myrtle green jersey in 2015.

In 30 degree plus heat, players from Third Grade Colts all the way up to First Grade were divided up in to their positions before the club legends took charge.

The Tight Five got straight down to business and were quickly at the scrum machine. Under the watchful eyes of Matt Bowman (ex Waratahs), Warwick Waugh (ex Waratahs, Brumbies, Bath and Wallabies), Stu Rutherford (ex World XV) and Adam Freier (ex Waratahs, Brumbies, Rebels and Wallabies), the session was a big one in learning from the masters.

Simon Poidevin contributing.

Randwick has traditionally been a breeding ground for some of the Waratahs and Wallabies greatest Backrowers, with Stephen Hoiles (Waratahs, ex Brumbies and Wallabies), Stu Pinkerton (ex Waratahs), Simon Poidevin (ex Waratahs and Wallabies Captain) and Willie Gordon (ex Waratahs, South Sydney NRL) all being a testament to that. With the breakdown becoming such a pivotal part of the game, the young Wicks took in some valuable tricks of the trade that will stay with them.

It’s no secret that the 9’s and 10’s don’t mind having their opinion heard, so it came as a relief for everyone else when the two positions were paired together. Luckily enough they had access to some Randwick greats of the past and present, with Brad Burke (ex Waratahs and Wallabies), Alan Gaffney (ex Waratahs, Munster, Leinster, Saracens and Wallabies Coach) and Pat Phibbs (ex Brumbies and London Irish) running proceedings on the top field.

The Centre’s found themselves amongst some rugby royalty, with Jim McKay (ex Reds and Wallabies attack Coach), James Holbeck (ex Brumbies and Wallabies) and Gary Ella (ex Waratahs and Wallabies) all bringing with them significant playing and coaching experience at the highest level.

Randwick squad at Club Legends Development Day

Rounding off the Legendary XV was the back three contingent, all of whom played a leading role in building the reputation the Randwick Rugby Club now holds today. They included Tim Keleher (ex Waratahs and Wallabies), Arthur Little (ex Waratahs and Australian Sevens) and Glen Ella (ex Waratahs, Wallabies and Wallabies Assistant Coach).

A ‘Whole Club’ approach has seen Randwick register one of their most comprehensive pre-seasons in recent years, with the Club Legends Development Day being hailed a success by Randwick First Grade Captain Sam Figg.

“This was a fantastic initiative from the Rugby Club, having access to some of the best players to ever play the game is priceless and I know the boys will have soaked up everything they had to say” Figg said.

A commitment to four days a week training has left the Wicks in good stead ahead of their first trial against the NSW Waratahs in just under two weeks time.