The Wairarapa-Bush rugby academy made good progress in its formative year.
A total of 40 nominees from clubs within the local region were initially involved and after undertaking a two-month conditioning programme that number was reduced to 20, who were given more specific fitness work as well as skills training.
Former Wairarapa-Bush
representatives Steve Hurley, Anthony Morris and Steve Thompson managed the process with the help of WBRFU chief executive officer Phil Taylor and trainer Cameron Brown.
Hurley said the academy's first year of operation was always going to be a case of trial and error with the idea being to start with lesser numbers 20 next year and put them through a more intensive schedule.
"We now know what suits best as far as our region is concerned and that's where the focus will be," he said, adding that those attending the academy would be players who could be part of the Wairarapa-Bush Heartland team within a couple of seasons.
Hurley said the progress made by academy members would be monitored by keeping in regular contact with their club coaches and, in turn, it was hoped that by raising their standards the profile of club rugby as a whole would be enhanced.
