Robb College's women's sevens side is hoping to pick up where they left off when they take the field in the coming New England Rugby Union season.
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But last year's grand finalists have a tough hurdle to overcome before a ball is even kicked this season with a delayed start to their pre-season.
Speaking to The Armidale Express last Thursday, coach Tom Bower said they aren't even sure who they will have lining up for them with Robb the last college to return to university.
"Pre-covid we had about 35 girls that were interested in playing but with all the covid, and some players not returning, it is really week-by-week to see how many will return to Armidale," he said.
"At the moment we have had about 15 who have said they are returning out of that squad, so it should be good.
"But, as you know, as they are only just returning now, we need to see whether or not they all lock in."
Last season, Robb were the competition's big improvers.
They finished in fourth place at the end of the 15 rounds and then steamed through the semi-finals to end up in the decider against the Barbets.
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It was a massive development year for the squad, and Bower said there are some of last year's runners-up team returning as well as a handful of new faces with rugby experience.
"I think our girls will be very excited about it, but like what I said, with the short pre-season we know we are up against the wall compared to teams who have been training a little bit longer but we are up for the challenge as well," he said.
"We have shown in the past Robb is always up the top, around there, so we will be looking to maintain that level and go one step better than last year.
"We will have a new players that are new to the game which is great for rugby and for Robb, and then we will have some that have some experience.
"So it will be one of those building [seasons] but because it is a short season we need to build fast and hit the ground running."
The women's competition has already been dubbed as the one to watch by coaches and officials across the zone.
With an influx of players from various sporting codes signing up, as well as the inclusion of a handful of outside clubs, Bower believes the season as a whole will be entertaining.
"My take will be because it is the only competition in any real football code, both the men's and the women's is going to be an amazing competition to watch," he said.
"You will have the best athlete of the area playing in one competition, whether it be league or union.
"It is a great opportunity for New England Rugby isn't it? Because it is the only competition that is going so the clubs get to showcase their club culture."
Their first challenge will come in the form of the Armidale Blues for round one on July 25.