Perth Spirit to finalise local talent
Local Pindan Premier Grade players as well as club players will be trying to be included in the 33-man Perth Spirit squad ahead of the inaugural National Rugby Championship next month.
Selectors for the Western Australian squad will continue to monitor these players who will link up with players from Western Australia's Super Rugby squad, the Western Force.
The Spirit will feature 17 places in its 33-man squad for those outside the Force's Super Rugby squad.
Western Force coach Michael Foley said the National Rugby Championship will play a role in preparing players for Super Rugby.
“The NRC is an important initiative in a broader strategy undertaken by Australian Rugby to increase the depth of playing talent available for Super Rugby,” he said.
“Consistent with our determination to identify, recruit and develop local talent, we will be focusing heavily on players who have performed well in our Perth club competition to broaden the base of quality players locally," he added
Other coaches involved with the Spirit have been overseeing the local competition, as well as liaising with local club coaches regarding possible recruits ahead of finalising the squad by the beginning of August.
“We have kept a close eye on the local competition and have been in regular discussion with our club coaches regarding the selection of local players. We’ve had a number of local players, such as: Kieran Longbottom, Ollie Hoskins, Kyle Godwin, Justin Turner, Zack Holmes, Dane Haylett-Petty, Ryan Hodson and Luke Burton, who represented the Force this season and the NRC is a great opportunity for more local players to stake their claim for higher honours,” Foley said.
The Perth-based side kicks off its NRC campaign against the Canberra Vikings in Canberra on Saturday, 23 August.
The Perth Spirit will play home matches at McGillivray Oval, Joondalup Arena and Rockingham Rugby Union Club.
