Players, supporters and committee members of the Young Yabbies Rugby Union Club held its meeting at the Aussie hotel where it was unanimously decided that the Yabbies should continue to field two teams in the ACT John Dent Rugby Union competition subject to increasing player and support staff numbers.

The strongly held view is that this is the best competition available and it offers the best pathway for players of above average ability as evidenced by Riley Turner and Declan Bredner from the 2016 Under 18s being drafted into the Brumbies junior academy, James Schiller selected in this years Brumbies Under 16s squad and French import, Mathieu Maynard attracting attention from the Brumbies coaching staff.

In the coming months the club will be embarking on a number of activities to build the player base for 2018 and to fill vital positions such as managers, strappers and other support staff.

There will also be a concentrated effort to ‘engage’ the Young community through better promotion of the Yabbies brand.

At the last game of the season a number of locals, mainly die hard league supporters, turned up to witness their first ever game of rugby and the positive feedback was about how much they enjoyed the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the friendship, even if they didn’t fully understand the game itself.

The club needs to build on this.

With the revamp of Cranfield Oval well underway, the Young Yabbies are looking forward to playing on new fields and enjoying the benefits of the new amenities block that include new change rooms, new toilets and new storage areas.

To this end we need to ‘sell’ our brand within the local community and the surrounding areas as the Yabbies becomes the hub of local rugby and the gateway to the ACT competition.

A sub-committee headed by Mick Hudson will be formed to examine recruitment opportunities including overseas players.

Anyone with any ideas, contacts or wishing to help can contact Mick on 0429 587 836. 

The club is also looking to fill key positions for the 2018 season and expressions of interest can be forward to Secretary, Fin Martin 0418 402 572 or Publicity Officer Cec Finley 0412 250 089. 

Positions currently vacant are the second grade coach/coaches, First and second grade managers, strappers, canteen and support staff.

If you love rugby or just want to help out then the Yabbies can use you.

So come on and be a part of the game ‘they play in heaven’.

For further information about the club check out the Young Yabbies website at www.youngrugby.com.au or follow the Young Yabbies on Facebook.