The potential return of a handful of Waratahs stars to their clubs in the coming weeks could help crack open the 2016 Shute Shield season, one of the closest in recent years.

As Super Rugby takes a one month hiatus during the June internationals, Rugby News understands fully fit Waratahs players have been given the all clear to return to their clubs during the Test break, however their availability will be determined by the coaching staff on a week by week basis.

Daryl Gibson has given his non-Wallabies the week off training this week, but has indicated that he wants his players to remain match fit during the break and play as much rugby as possible, particularly those that have been struggling for game time.

The Super Rugby and Shute Shield regular seasons finish on the same weekend, meaning certain players could return to their clubs again later this year in time for the finals series, if the Waratahs season ends prematurely.

If that occurs, Sydney Uni and Randwick appear to be the big winners.

The Students could welcome back Tom Robertson, Paddy Ryan and Jeremy Tilse to their front row, along with Jake Gordon, Jim Stewart, Tolu Latu and potentially Brad Wilkin who have all spent time with the Waratahs this year.

Randwick’s backline could be boosted by Dave Horwitz, Andrew Kellaway and Reece Robinson adding further spark to the Galloping Greens attack.

Halfback Matt Lucas would be a welcome addition at Manly, as would lock Sam Lousi at Southern Districts, hooker Hugh Roach at Eastwood and prop Angus Ta’avao at Northern Suburbs.

Jack Dempsey (Gordon) and Zac Guildford (West Harbour) could also both make a big impact at their respective clubs.

Off contract players at other Australian Super Rugby franchises could also return, as we’ve seen in recent years.

Looking specifically at June, the availability of Waratahs could have a huge impact on a number of key clashes.

This weekend, Eastwood host Sydney University in a near top of the table clash while Eastern Suburbs face Manly for the second time in three weeks.

In round 13, Easts hosts Randwick in a local derby and Southern Districts take on Eastwood.

In round 14, Randwick play Sydney Uni and Manly host Southern Districts and in round 15 Northern Suburbs play Eastern Suburbs.

It’s a bumper month of rugby and apparently there are some Tests on as well.

By the end of June, the results of these matches should give fans a better idea of form heading towards the finals but if this season is anything to go by, we’ll probably be in the exact same position as we are now.