NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore has confirmed the start time for the Waratahs match against the Blues at Brookvale Oval has been pushed back to 7:45pm to accommodate club rugby and school rugby players and fans.

Initially, broadcasters instructed Hore that the match had to be played at 3pm on Saturday May 5, clashing directly with Shute Shield and schoolboy rugby matches.

However the Waratahs have negotiated a later kick off time and are now hopefully of playing several Shute Shield and schoolboy matches as curtain raisers to the Super Rugby game.

Hore said a lot of work has gone into making this day a winner for all.

“It underlines what can be achieved when we all work together for the greater good of the game and illustrates what’s possible when we are unified,” Hore said.

“Saturday afternoon footy is traditionally the showcase window for our community game and by recognising that and working with our key partners we have been able to ensure that all levels of the game is a winner.

“It’s the first weekend of First XV schools rugby and there are three Shute Shield games in the area. It is important that we support these events in the first instance and then our community can also support the State team. By keeping clear windows we are able to achieve both.”

“I would like to thank our clubs and schools in the area, FoxSports, SANZAAR and Rugby Australia for helping to make this day happen,” Hore added.

NSW Rugby will also look into providing transport to Brookvale Oval from selected clubs and schools in the immediate area.