RANRU’s new plan

By ABPH Kade Rogers

With a new coach, a new Vice President and a new plan, the RAN Rugby Union side is on the brink of a new era.

Coach Geoff Stokes, an ex-Warrant Officer Signals Yeoman, new Vice President CMDR Steve Thompson together with team President CMDR Bob Plath have formulated a two-year team development plan, culminating in the 2006 Commonwealth Navies Cup in South Africa.

In the next two years the RAN Rugby Union side hopes to develop a broader, younger selection base across the whole Navy.

“Our focus is building a solid rugby skill base, Navy wide,” CMDR Plath said. Rather than aiming for success this season, Geoff Stokes is steering the side in a different direction with the Commonwealth Navies Cup as a clear goal.

“There may well be some older, better players that won’t get a run this season.

We’re focusing on developing the younger players,” CMDR Plath said.

“The team has responded very well to Stokesey as the new coach.

“He’s the current coach of the Wests Rugby side in Canberra and we can gain tremendous benefit from his experience.” The players have undergone a series of team development camps that began last October.

The third and final camp will take place from March 5 to 6 to coincide with the SYSCOM Maritime Command Cup on March 11.

“This will be our final selection event for the national squad,” CMDR Plath said.

“So far we are very pleased with the interest that the new players are showing and there are a few guys we’re looking forward to seeing out on the paddock this year.”

“ABCD Andrew Foord, ABCD Matt Dunn and SMNET Daniel Robertson are all very good prospects for the national side.”

The selected team will represent the RAN in Coogee, NSW from May 15 to 21 where they will play the Army and RAAF sides.

.