CENTRAL West Rugby Union, after weeks of anticipation and speculation from clubs, players and supporters alike, announced the 2016 Blue Bulls coaching and management staff on Wednesday afternoon - all 11 of them.

And that’s not including the colts, or under-18 coaches either.

Central West chief executive officer Peter Veenstra unveiled the Blue Bulls’ senior “coaching and management group”, headed up by Cowra’s Col Jeffs, and also explained the reasoning behind the appointment of such a large number of mentors.

Jeffs will be supported by Graydon Staniforth, Dean Oxley, Phil Prior, Matt Waterford, Vince Gordon, Paul Smith, Steve White, George Connaughton, Harry Fardell and John Haddin in his bid to see the Blue Bulls returned to former glory, after the side went winless at last year’s NSW Country Championships.

“It’s a long-term development program we’re looking at here, it’s a succession plan. The intent for this initial group is to develop a range of people’s skills and expertise at the representative level,” Veenstra explained.

“We’re looking at building a bank of coaches and support staff that we can use in future years ... so that the [Blue Bulls coaching staff] isn’t a year-to-year prospect.

“It’s a plan which we’re hoping will improve the quality of coaches and players at the representative level, but also at the club level when they take these skills back to their respective clubs.”

The 11-strong coaching and management group boasts a wealth of experience, both playing and coaching, at Blowes Clothing Cup, Central West, NSW Country and higher levels.

“Experience is something that had been a bit lacking at times, but there is plenty among this group,” Jeffs said.

“Obviously we’ve got four other coaches there in Graydon, Vince, Phil and Dean, and the management group after that.

“The idea is for me to help out this season, and then one of those other guys to take over next season and so on. I’m really looking forward to working with all these guys now too.

“From here, I’ll be contacting all the clubs and asking them to put forward any players interested in playing for Central West, and then we’ll go into the trial schedule, which I’ve worked very hard at so it interferes as little as possible with any clubs’ structures or schedules.

“There’s been a bit on indiscretion going around in recent times, but I think what we’re putting in place here will be of benefit to not just the representative side but the whole region in general.

“We want to get every one in the Central West working toward the same goal.”

The Blue Bulls Colts - affectionately labelled the Baby Bulls - will once again be coached by Mudgee duo Scott Hatch and Ivan Giammarco, with Anthony Hennessy coming on board as manager. Endeavour Oval hosts a trial on Saturday, March 5 at 11am for any interested players.

Orange’s Matt Winslade will mentor the Central West under 18 side and his assistant and manager are to be named soon.

Potential trial dates for the senior side are set down for Sunday, March 13 and 20, or Wednesday April 13 and 20. Confirmation of those dates will come as soon as possible.