The Western Sydney Two Blues Sevens Rugby program has experienced one of the most successful seasons in history, winning 6 prestigious tournaments over the past 6 months, competing in the Dubai International Sevens Tournament for the first time, and linking with the Australian Men’s Seven’s program to help identify and fast track player development for the future.
Starting with the Byron Bay Seven’s Tournament in October, the Two Blues Men’s Sevens Squad went on to claim titles at Sawtell, Wagga Wagga, Hamilton (Newcastle), Warringah, and Kiama.
“It’s been a very successful Sevens Rugby season for the Club” said Coach Kruger Roache. “The players have been exceptionally committed to training and preparation, and have applied themselves over the last six months to bring the level of success they have experienced. It is very satisfying to see the level of achievement these players have had on the back of hard work and commitment to themselves, their team mates, and the Club. We now have a very solid base to build from and continue to develop the Sevens program at the Two Blues.”
Working closely with Rugby Australia, the Two Blues Sevens Squad has trained with the Australian Men’s Sevens Squad at various times over the past few months, with the Australian team making an inaugural trip to Eric Tweedale Stadium to train with the Two Blues in the lead up to their LA Sevens Tournament.
Performance Manager of the Australian Sevens program and former Wallaby, Scott Bowen, gave praise to the work of the Two Blues Sevens Squad and is keen to develop links with the Club to strengthen player identiification and development pathways for Sevens Rugby. “We have seen the growth and success of the Two Blues Sevens Program over some time now, and this season has been outstanding for them. We are always keen to support clubs and programs that provide pathway opportunities to identify and develop specialist Sevens Rugby players for the future which the Two Blues have demonstrated. Sevens Rugby can provide a genuine rugby career path for aspiring players from the region, and the Two Blues are well placed to support the growth of the game there.”
While the Two Blues finalise preparations for the 2023 season, three members of the Two Blues Sevens Squad have been invited to train with the Australian Sevens Squad over the next couple of weeks. Roache said “Having our players being invited into Training Camp with the Australian Squad is a real indication of how far these guys have come. The Two Blues are currently represented by Dietrich (Roache) and Jordan Williams in the national Sevens Squad, so it would be great to have more of our Two Blues players find their way into the starting side for the Australian Team in the future. Our relationship with the Australian Seven’s program a real opportunity for players from Western Sydney to develop their skills and be noticed at the highest levels of the game.”
Two Blues General Manager, Christian Burden, said “The Club is very keen to look at establishing a dedicated Sevens Rugby program for Men and Women in the future, whereby the Club will recruit and develop specialist players to represent the Two Blues in domestic and international Sevens Rugby tournaments. In addition, the Club’s link with the Australian Sevens program is something very special to us and will play a key role in attracting talented players to the Club from within Western Sydney. We know Sevens Rugby offers a unique career path for young players, with opportunities to compete at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and tournaments all over the world as a professional rugby player.”
The Club has received some amazing support from sponsors and volunteers for the Sevens Rugby program, including the Merrylands RSL Club. Roache concluded by saying “The support we have from within the Club for Sevens Rugby has enabled us to compete and prepare to the best of ability. Merrylands RSL also continues to provide the Club with much needed financial support, and our volunteers and coaches have been amazing in preparing the players. We are now aiming to compete in the Amsterdam Sevens Tournament in June.”
Any interested sponsors who may like to get behind the Two Blues Sevens Program should contact the Club directly at info@twobluesrugby.com.au
