Alex Newsome: Glen Innes product to play for Waratahs in trial against Reds in Narrabri

The match is the centrepiece of the inaugural Festival of Rugby.

The three-day event got off to a rocky start on Thursday when the threat of environmental protests forced the Waratahs and the Reds' training sessions to be closed to the public.

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Santos sponsors both the Waratahs and the Reds and is also the festival's sponsor.

The trial match will be the Waratahs' sole hitout before their Super Rugby opener against against the Reds in Brisbane on February 19.

"With only two weeks until the start of Super Rugby, it will be an important hit out for the NSW Waratahs, with all 28 squad members hoping to get in some crucial game time in Narrabri," the NSW Rugby Union said on their website.

Meanwhile, the 13-man squad that forms the 2021 NSWRU men's sevens side has also been announced.

The squad will compete in a tournament featuring Australia, Queensland, Australia Pacific and a Fijian side at the Festival of Rugby on Friday and Saturday.

The event is part of the Australian men's seven side's preparation for the Tokyo Olympics this year.

NSW men's sevens coach Michael Hodge said: "The team has been preparing well over the past three months, and are very excited with the opportunity to challenge themselves against some of the best sevens players in Australia.

"With a mix of experienced players, and some exciting up and coming talent, the squad are looking forward to a genuine opportunity to catch [Aussie coach] Tim Walsh's eye."

Walsh this week told the Leader that his side had been "decimated" by player departures.

The festival, he said, would be used as an Olympic trial - "because we got decimated with losing some players both through finances and others taking up other contracts".

The men's sevens action starts at 2pm on Friday, with the Waratahs and Reds clash commencing at 8pm.