The Waratahs continue to open doors for junior female union players in the region and 2022 will be no exception either.

The organisation is now inviting young girls to play in an exciting rugby 7s tournament kicking off in Newcastle on Friday 11 February.

Youngsters born in 2009 and 2010 are eligible to join the under-13 squad, while those born in 2007 and 2008 can showcase their skills in the under-15s.

The Waratahs Junior Rugby Union Club president Chris Grieve admitted the plan was to enter two teams in Hunter Junior Rugby Union’s 2022 Girls Summer 7s competition.

“We’re eager to be represented in both age groups,” he said.

“The popular seven-a-side format runs over six weeks, with training already underway (at the Waratah Oval No.2 Ground).

“That gives the newcomers plenty of time to learn the basics of rugby 7s.

“The tournament is a great opportunity to introduce players to the game and The Waratahs.

“They can experience playing in a family-friendly club without committing to an entire winter season in 2022.

“We have a good group of under-13s already but we’re always happy to welcome new players.

“The Waratahs are also keen to hear from girls in the under-15 age group as we wish to form two teams that will complement each other in building sporting ability and friendships.”

Former Hunter Wildfires representative Theresa Mauli praised her club for creating a pathway for local youngsters.

“It’s fantastic news for women’s rugby,” she said.

“Especially, as the Hunter Wildfires are trying to build themselves up for the Jack Scott Cup.

“It has been hard mixing that with grassroots.

“But, if our juniors are ready, and they’re getting trained at this age, it will make the Wildfires so much stronger for the Hunter in years to come.

“We’ve been part of the Girls Summer 7s before, however we’re entering Waratahs-only teams for the first time, which is terrific for us.

“Our senior side is number one in the Hunter.

“So, it’s great we’ve got girls coming through the ranks who can see that – and have something to aim for.”

Mauli said she was looking forward to mentoring the talented core of juniors at The Waratahs.

“I’m hoping to teach them about patience, commitment and responsibility,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.

“At the moment, we’re training for the beach 5s – doing those extra yards because a lot of the Hunter Wildfires girls, who I’ve played with before, work on the same things.

“They do off-season sessions, pre-season sessions and maintain that intensity during the season.

“They’re so good at what they do.

“If I can impart some of my experience, and what I learnt during my time with them, onto our girls then I’ve done my job.

“And, so far, we’ve started our campaign well.

“We’ve got a great deal with Conquer Cleaning Services – they’ve organised sponsorship for the kids to train at Magic Motivation Fitness in Wallsend.

“Like I said, if you do the hard work, then you can achieve anything.”

Young girls wishing to try a game of rugby in the Summer 7s can contact The Waratahs by phoning Chris Grieve on 0434 615 488.

Further details are available on Facebook: The Waratahs Junior Rugby Club – Newcastle or www.thewaratahsrugbyunionclub.com (see juniors section).

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