A host of New South Wales Waratahs players made their way to Bathurst, including Dubbo Kangaroos product Tom Robinson and Coonamble’s Ned Hanigan. 

Mr Robinson played for the Kangaroos till under 14s before he headed to boarding school in Sydney in Year 9.

He credits his move to the big smoke to help further his rugby career, but is still thankful for his time in the country and how important it is to invest into rural rugby communities.

“I use to go to my carnivals at school and for the ‘Roos and you don’t really think much of it,” Mr Robinson. 

“When you turn professional and come back, you look back at how fun it was and how much I miss playing like that.

“It’s always good to come out and see where you grew up.”

Mr Robinson said rugby union in regional areas is “massive”, as “three-quarters” of the Waratahs team is either born or raised in the country.

“It’s [regional areas] a big breeding ground for professional rugby players. It definitely has an important place and a part to play in development,” he said.

Mr Robinson said the coaching clinic is a “great initiative”.

Mr Hanigan begun playing with the Coonamble Rams, before making the move to Sydney at 12-years-old. 

He said he has been taking a keen interest in country rugby union, calling it a “communal” sport for regional areas.