The New England Rugby Union women's sevens title race has already been tipped to "turn a few heads this year" and hoping they can make their mark on the competition is the St Albert's College squad.
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The students have been hampered by a delayed return to town, and to training as a consequence, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic but coach Will Waterson said they will be aiming up before the season starts.
"It is obviously a different season and we are taking that in our stride as best as we can," he said.
"To be honest, it is not the ideal preparation but all the other clubs are in the same boat as us with it so we are not using that as an excuse."
Albies have added some new players to their squad as well as retaining around half of the 2019 team.
"It is good to evolve and look to a few younger girls this season to hopefully keep up the standard we have set over the last two or three years," Waterson said.
"We have got a 6-5 split of returning players and fresh faces that have played elsewhere and have joined us this season which is exciting."
The New England women's competition has grown immensely since its inception in 2016.
There will be seven teams this year - St Albert's, Robb, Tamworth, Walcha-Pirates, Blues, Barbets and Glen Innes.
Last week, Barbets coach Will Green applauded the quality and growth of the competition and Waterson agreed.
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"It is really exciting for the New England comp, and especially the women's competition which has been growing over the last three or four seasons now," he said.
"It is good to have a couple of extra teams in there and some pretty experienced teams at that so it will be be good for the competition this season and hopefully they can stay in there for the next couple of years and build from there.
"And I think women's rugby is definitely growing in the region and this year is probably one to watch.
"So for the spectators out there, it will probably be exciting to watch.
"We are ready to go. Bring it on."