By Michael Roberts | posted on October 16, 2020
THE Great Southern isn’t renowned for producing star rugby players, but you wouldn’t have guessed it watching the weekend’s Junior 7s rugby tournament.
Coming up against metropolitan and country teams from around the state, Albany Storm’s under 11s side were a cut above the rest as they ended the competition cup winners.
Palmyra were crowned the under 10s cup winners, while Kalamunda took home the under 12s title.
The local rugby community would be toasting another highly successful year hosting the Albany Junior 7s tournament after more than 400 kids from 40 different teams descended upon the port city for the two-day carnival.
RugbyWA Regional Development Manager Dane Lazarus said it was a record turnout.
“It’s growing each year,” he said.
“It has been well-received. There were teams that couldn’t get accommodation in Albany this time of year, so no doubt there would have been even more.
“It will go up to the under 13 age group next year.”
Mr Lazarus said the Great Southern was an untapped gold mine for rugby talent.
“We want to make sure every kid in WA has the opportunity to play rugby and showcase their skills,” he said.
“We’ve been trying to get more kids involved in the rugby club down there in preparation for the tournament.
“I have no doubt the crop of young kids coming through, in 10 year’s time they will form the colts team and grow into a seniors team.
“It will flourish.”
