Coast Development Squad

The West Coast Development Squad has had a busy start to their 2024 campaign, with back to back trips across the Southern Alps to Canterbury to face staunch competition.

Early defeats to North Canterbury and Canterbury Waitaha, showed the need for adjustments, but Coach Mike Waller feels they’re just scraping the surface.

“We’ve got a good core group of keen lads from all the West Coast clubs who haven’t had this exposure before, and we feel we’re starting to turn a corner. We’ve narrowed the score margin each game, scoring more and conceding less so I’m really happy with how they are progressing.”

“It’s a great stepping stone to senior rugby” Waller says.

The Union is working to set up a development programme set to launch officially next year.

WCRU Spokesman, Mike Lash, feels that this is a vital step in the growth of the game on the coast.

“The board has a strong focus on the future of the game here on the coast and one aspect of that is providing our up-and-coming players with these opportunities. It helps to provide not just skill based growth, but personal growth as well.”

“Our Players, Coaches and Referees all have the potential for higher honours, and we want to unlock that.”

Lash says the aim of the development programme is to help bridge the gap between Age Grade Rugby and Club Rugby and then onto the Heartland Championship, by create a pathway for our players.

“They take the skills learnt back to clubland and pass them on to their team mates and club rugby grows too. It’s a win-win.”

Next season will see a full season programme with skills-based coaching, fitness and nutrition education and support, as well as tapping into the resources available from our neighbouring provinces.

The development team has two more fixtures remaining this season, with games against Ellesmere and Selwyn District representative teams, both played in Canterbury.

Story & Photo – Adam Gilshnan