Aaron Byrne slices through the Harden defence at Robert’s Park in 2019 on the way to the Tri-Colours winning the Oilsplus Premiership later that year.
The Central West Rugby season may yet go ahead, with NSWRU issuing a statement regarding the commencement of competitions in NSW Community Rugby. The statement outlines that July, like many other sports, is being targeted as a possible commencement date after a potential lifting of public health orders on June 29.
CEO of NSWRU Paul Doorn has also said in a quote contained in the statement “Our unions will work with all areas of community Rugby to assist them to return to the field safely and expeditiously, while adhering to all relevant government requirements”. Speaking on Monday, Matt Tink, CEO of Central West Rugby reaffirmed his standing on the return of Rugby in the region, stating he will do everything in his power once restrictions are lifted to get Rugby in the Central West played again. He hosted a phone-link meeting with clubs from the OilsPlus South West competition in which Cootamundra play in, (Wednesday) to assess how each club was faring at the moment and what their thoughts on a structure for a season would be, should the sport be given the all clear in coming months.
Tink said ultimately it’s the club’s competition and he will do all he can to listen and support any issues or thoughts each club may have regarding Rugby in 2020 and let them decide in which direction they all think the competition should head in for the remainder of the year.
Cootamundra head coach Mitch Wakeford has said the Tricolours will endeavour to participate in any type of competition shall the season commence, with the playing group training well and challenging themselves since early January, while also adding some exciting new faces to the defending premier’s squad. When pressed, Wakeford’s suggestion for the OilsPlus South West competition would be that if restrictions & health orders were removed or relaxed, the schedule be to play a full round (8 teams, therefore 7 Rounds), with a Top 6 finals series, that would help compensate for a lack of opportunities teams may receive in such a shortened season.
He stressed everyone’s health is the priority and if the season wasn’t to go ahead, the playing group would shift their focus to 2021 to defend their title and challenge for another premiership.