Dom expecting an increase in junior and mini rugby players

Last Sunday saw the start of the junior rugby union season, with Driffield RUFC hoping to once again have a strong section, especially with the World Cup being played in England this autumn.

The club have teams from Under 7s right through to Under 17s, with sides up to Under 12 classed as mini rugby before competitive rugby begins from Under 13.

Director of Mini/Junior Rugby, Dom Thompson, says the club are expecting a large intake of players: “We usually have around 200-250 players right from the Under 7s through to the Under 17s but with the World Cup on the horizon we envisage a lot of new players wanting to join.

“We like to try and have around 15-25 players in each squad. The leagues we play in encompass most of Yorkshire so we need big squads,” said Dom.

Driffield traditionally have one of the best junior set-ups in the area and Dom says this is a key component in helping players make the leap into senior rugby.

“It’s important to have good junior teams in order for players to make a smooth transition into men’s rugby.

“One week they can be playing against a 17 year-old and then the next against an experienced 35 year-old which is difficult for them.

“I think 13 of this year’s first team have come through the juniors at Driffield and that’s what our Director of Rugby Pat Burdass wants to continue.

“We seem to keep getting stronger every season and it’s nice to have such a good set-up with every team having their own pitch and the majority of kit provided.”

Each team has two RFU qualified coaches and the club like to get as many parents involved as possible.

The club are looking to welcome more players down to the club and for more information those interested can contact Dom, who’ll be more than willing to help.