As president of the New England Junior Rugby Union committee, Sewell, a father of four boys, said he felt obligated to put something back into the game.

“I figured I was going to be involved with the kids and their rugby for the next 10 to 12 years so I thought I would lend and helping hand,” he said.

“We’ve got a good group of dedicated people now on the committee and we are starting to make progress.”

“Tony Gilby and Will Moloney have been great support and things are really starting to get a move on.”

Last year two sides – an Under 14s and Under 15s – represented New England.

This year, New England will field five junior rugby teams in the NSW Country Championships, ranging from Under 13s to Under 17s.

Sewell said it was a massive step for the region.

“To go from two to five sides is a big step but we had no choice – you do it properly or not at all,” he said.

“The only real dilemma we have is all of our sides are pretty much made up of Armidale kids.

“Ideally, we’d like strong representation from Glen Innes, Guyra, Uralla, Dorrigo and even Tenterfield.

“We have a couple travelling to play, but not as many as we’d like.”

All five teams have been training every Sunday for the last month.

Sewell said there were still positions available on all teams for new players if interested.

“If you could pick out one negative about the program, it would be the fact there is little competition for spots in each age group,” he said.

“Basically the boys who turn up to training will get a game.

“New England Junior Rugby will even take training to places like Guyra and Glen Innes if there is interest.”

Although the NSW Country Championships will be held in late April and early May, depending on which age group, Sewell said one of the highlights of the year will be later this month, when four nearby junior rugby associations travel to Armidale for a day of trial matches.