29 Jan 2009

A squad of 15 talented rugby players from across Australia have just begun an intensive training camp marking the start of the Australian Institute of Sport/Australian National Rugby Sevens program for 2008–09.

The AIS Rugby Union program, which was established in 1988, has recently been revamped to become the National Rugby Sevens program. Head Coach Michael O’Connor is excited by the new direction for talent identification and development in rugby.

‘As part of the program, players get a taste of playing professional rugby in world-class elite competition like the IRB World Seven Series,’ said O’Connor.

‘This includes valuable experience in playing professional rugby — performing their best and coping with pressure — at the top level in front of big crowds.’

This week’s camp involves a range of training drills and recovery sessions, including a trial match against the Brumbies Academy. Players will be supported by leading coaching and sports science experts, and have access to the Australian Institute of Sport’s world-class training and recovery facilities.

Each of the Australian Super 14 clubs have nominated two developing players to take part in the National Sevens program which provides an effective pathway for player development into the world’s best competitions: the IRB World Series Seven, the Super 14 and, ultimately, national selection for the Wallabies.

National Sevens players Ben Mowen (NSW), Scott Higginbotham (QLD) and Scott Daruda (WA) are currently in the running for selection as reserves for Super 14 teams.

The AIS squad is currently preparing to compete in the Rugby Sevens World Cup from 5–7 March 2009. They also have their sights set on qualifying for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Outstanding Wallaby players who have graduated from the AIS Rugby Union program include Phil Kearns, John Eales, George Gregan, Joe Roff, Matthew Giteau and Ben Tune.

Sevens World Cup from 5-7 March 2009. They also have their sights set on qualifying for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Outstanding Wallaby players who have graduated from the AIS Rugby Union program include Phil Kearns, John Eales, George Gregan, Joe Roff, Matthew Giteau and Ben Tune.

Australian National Rugby Sevens program for 2008-2009

The full squad is:

Australian Capital Territory

• Peter Betham
• Afusipa Taumoepeau
• Henry Vanderglass

New South Wales

• William Bishop
• Benjamin Coridas
• Shaun Foley
• Edward Jenkins
• Jonathon Jenkins
• Benjamin McCalman *
• Benjamin Mowen *
• Brian Sefanaia *
• Stanley Tuionuku 

Queensland

• Scott Higginbotham *
• Richard Kingi
• Luke Morahan
• Damon Murphy
• Aiden Toua

Western Australia

• William Brock
• Scott Daruda *
• Dane Haylett-Petty

* NB: Players not attending this week’s camp at the AIS