New season for Woy Woy rugby

Woy Woy Rugby Union has started training for the coming season.

The club has had an influx of new players as well as a number who have returned after a year or two away.

The club has retained Ross Hopkins as the first grade coach and he will again be assisted by Grant Brooks.

"After being away from the club for five years coaching in Sydney, last year was a learning experience for me to come back to country rugby," said Hopkins.

"I hope this year that with some of the cultural and structural changes we achieved last year on and off the field, we can improve on this year.

"If we can keep players injury free, then the club should do well.

"Off the field, the club is powering with a huge junior base and the junior-senior committee are doing a great job attracting new sponsors and interest in the club.

"The time is now for the seniors to embrace the challenge of becoming one of the powers of Central Coast Rugby," Hopkins said.

Second grade will be coached by Grant McLellan who has played at the club for over a decade and has experienced premiership success at the club.

Third grade will be coached by Paul Gooley who, after a decade of playing first grade rugby, has decided to enjoy what third grade rugby has to offer.

The club will field a Colts side and, after coaching the Under-17s to a premiership last year, John Stokie will be in charge of the side and will be assisted by Rob Boxsell.

Email, 21 Feb 2012 George Simpkins, Woy Woy Rugby Union