This year’s NSW Country Rugby Union (NSWCRU) Championships at Warren will be “special”.
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That’s the word of NSWCRU president Barry Ruddy, after Western Plains was handed hosting rights for the first time and the expected debut of the Northern Bushrangers – a Central North and New England hybrid side – was announced.
The Bushrangers are set to contest the second-tier Richardson Shield against Far North Coast, Central Coast and the hosts at Warren, the two northern zones combining after both signaled they’d be unable to enter individual teams.
“It’s been incredibly heartening to see so many people interested … I actually think they’ll be really competitive,” Ruddy said.
“I’m really looking forward to Warren too, this will mean that every zone has had its chance to host the country championships.
“It’ll be quite special in a way too, because Warren doesn’t have the accommodation needed to house so many players all the sides except Illawarra will be staying in a tent city of sorts, although it’s more like glamping really, and all the teams will be staying at the same place.
“It’s a three bed to a tent set-up, there’ll be a bar there too, so players get the chance to mingle and have a few beers after the games. I know the people of Warren are absolutely champing at the bit for it, the council out there has been amazing and I think we’re looking at a cracking set of championships.”
Central West is looking to defend its 2017 women’s sevens title, and will play in the opens and colts top tiers.