The Barbarians Rugby Union Club have a new committee and a swag of upgrades to their playing facilities in the pipeline as they gear up for the 2015 rugby season.
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Archie Denning takes over the presidency from Daniel Dooner and while it wasn’t a complete overhaul for the Baa Baas committee, Denning said it was a “changing of the guard”.
The club will launch their season tomorrow night at their major sponsor the St Kilda Hotel after a trial match against Kempsey.
They will also be the benefactor of almost $35,000 in State Government grants to upgrade the facilities at Alcatraz Rugby Park.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the club would receive $25,000 to upgrade the irrigation system at Alcatraz, as well as almost $10,000 for training equipment and coaching courses.
“It’s great to get some infrastructure coming into the club,” Denning said.
“We are a young club, so any grant we can get always helps.”
The Baa Baas began pre-season training in February and, if early season numbers are anything to go by, the club is a in a strong position heading into the 2015 New England Rugby season.
“We have had 50 players there for the three grades,” Denning said. “We are still looking into new signings.”
The club celebrated its 10th anniversary with a third grade premiership last season, but Denning said they would dearly love another first grade premiership in 2015.
“This year will mark our 10th year in first grade,” he said.
“We didn’t have a first grade side when we first came in.” Baa Baas won their maiden and sole first grade premiership in 2012.
Tomorrow’s trial against Kempsey will kick off at 4pm, followed by the season launch at the St Kilda at 6pm.
Any players who may be looking to play rugby for the Baa Baas in 2015 are invited to attend training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Alcatraz from 6pm.
