IT’S the start of another season for CSU Bathurst in the Blowes Clothing Cup competition and, like every year, that means it’s a chance to see how numerous new players fare.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Not all the changes have taken place on the field, either.
Luke Costello’s departure left a space for a new coach and CSU have struck it lucky in their recruitment of James McLaren.
Having former Scottish international McLaren to fill that void has been welcome news for the university side.
McLaren kept in contact with the club over the past year and has learnt most of the capabilities and strengths of his new side in his return this year.
One issue that strikes the side every year is having so many players come and go after their studies start or finish.
That showed in 2013 as CSU managed only one win from their first six matches. They later started to string together some encouraging results, but it was a bit late.
McLaren says it’s an exciting step for him to work with the team and believes it’s been a challenge to work with a side that has had such a disrupted pre-season.
“It’s still a leap into the unknown for me,” he said.
“We’ve spoken about how we’re going to prepare and about the level of maturity we’re going to need heading into the season.
“We’ve had some great training sessions. There’s obviously been some availability issues with things like work placements and cricket commitments, though.”
Cowra finished third place in the first grade competition last year and, if form carries over, they will prove to be a tough welcome to first grade for many students.
McLaren is hoping older players play a strong leadership role throughout this season and help give new players an understanding of what their opponents can do.
“Cowra should be quite strong, but I haven’t witnessed a great deal of rugby from around the region in the last few years,” he said.
“A lot of teams seem to have strong units for this year. I hope those senior players who have been playing for Central West can use that experience back in the team.”
CSU travel to Cowra on Saturday to start their season.
Next week’s match against the Orange Emus will be their first chance to play on home soil.