THE Tamworth Magpies are embracing New England Rugby Union's new under-21 competition.
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Set to begin in 2020, the new competition will allow players aged between 17-21 the chance to play in a colts-style competition, in place of playing in open-age competitions.
The new format is set to provide a major boost to all of the league's university-based teams, but also encourage new players from across the region.
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Magpies coach Peter Burke said the club was "very supportive of the new structure".
"We haven't had what you would call a junior structure for the past two years or so," Burke told the Leader.
"Now we will have the chance to recruit some new faces to the club and allow them the chance to play at an-age appropriate level if they desire.
"In saying that, we have a good core of young guys at the club at the moment, who have been playing third and fourth grade for the last few years.
"If those guys want to continue playing in the senior grades we can facilitate that as well."
Burke said while he supported the new structure, he was unsure of the guidelines of eligibility for players wishing to play.
"Conceptually, I think this is a great idea," he said.
"However, I'm not too sure what it will look like in terms of guys wanting to play in the open-age grades and the under-21 grade.
"It also raises the question of finals eligibility.
"I'm not sure if someone who fits into the age bracket but has been playing in the open-age grades will be eligible.
"I'm not sure if the zone has figured that out yet either, but I'm sure we will have a far clearer idea of what it looks like next year."
The Magpies enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, going undefeated for much of the home and away season before bowing out in the preliminary final at the hands of Albies.
"One of the exciting things about the New England competition is how unpredictable it is," Burke said.
"The universities tend to have different looking sides year on year, so we won't know what we'll be coming up against.
"I know our guys are really keen and we'll be back into pre-season training on February 1."
Burke said the club's annual summer sevens competition would act as a vital tool for his charge's pre-season training.
"They are enjoying a well-earned break at the moment and will be back in the new year, which is pretty normal for us," he said.
"That annual competition is a good way for our guys to transition into training and will play a big part in our pre-season.
"Registrations for that competition are still open, so I encourage everyone interested in having a run to get involved."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
