This article originally appeared in the Rugby News grand final edition. 

By Lauren DeGioia

NSW Rugby is on the brink of a new era. In what is expected to be one of the most ground-breaking changes to the Club in recent years, the professional and community arms will once again re-join.

It’s good news in the lead up to the business end of the Club season, as this year’s best juniors, country, subbies, colts and grade teams across NSW battle it out to take home their respective titles.

For years Waratahs Rugby and NSW Rugby have operated as separate organisations. Now, in coming together, there is the opportunity for a renewed focus on becoming a world-class sporting otganisation through increased development.

The new organisation, which will be known simply as the NSW Waratahs, has already stated a strong intent to ensure, first and foremost, young NSW players are provided with the best chances of making it to the professional level.

“Sydney has one of the busiest sporting environments in Australia. Advances in technology and a rich tapestry of entertainment options here place a huge amount of societal pressure on the game,” NSW Waratahs CEO, Andrew Hore says.

“In response to this we need to become a development machine, which means placing a greater emphasis on ensuring Rugby talent that is born and bred in NSW has every opportunity of representing their state in this game.”

“Every young Rugby player in NSW, from the bush to sea, should have an equal chance of fulfilling their dream, whether that be as a player, coach, referee or administrator.”

As the pinnacle competition of NSW Club Rugby, the Shute Shield has been a launch pad for many NSW players who have come through the state’s Rugby paths over the years, whether that be through their local Club, school or the country.

“As the Rugby state in Australia, we are fortunate to have such a quality platform that has helped establish many of this state’s commendable leaders and the country’s top Rugby stars, both past and present,” Hore says.

“There’s no doubt the experiences, friendships and skills earned throughout NSW Club rugby level stay with a NSW player for life. It’s these elements, born out of grassroots, that ignite that passion for playing for NSW.”

Leadership, mateship and a passion for representing NSW are three core values that have been sewn into the foundations of the strong NSW Waratahs culture in recent years.  It’s something that Hore, together with the NSW Waratahs coaching staff, plans to build on.

“NSW rugby has a proud and long history, culture and values that are entrenched within this Club.  One of the key values is the passion for representing NSW and, with 33 out of the 38 players in this year’s NSW Waratahs squad born in NSW, is something that we can proudly say we live and breathe by,” Hore adds.

“We are now working on a restructure that will ultimately continue this, bringing the two arms of the organisation together as one team to create a greater link between the community and the professional game across the state.

“As well as fostering more opportunities for Rugby talent in this state, this will also enhance the core rugby values that are inherent at all levels of the game in NSW, whether that be at the local subbies Rugby ground, old stomping ground of North Sydney Oval, country field in Tamworth or Allianz Stadium in Sydney.”