G’day guys, welcome to 2010. This year is the start of an expansive and challenging two year period for ASRU; a period that will hopefully culminate in late 2011 with the inaugural International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC). From the Men’s perspective, 2010 has two milestone concentrations: the United States Combined Services (USCS) tour in the second half of July, and the Pacific Nations Military Cup (PACMIL Cup) in October.

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to provide a few opening words regarding the 2010 ASRU Watch List. Firstly, the list is not set in stone. Congratulations if your name appears on the list. All of you will be considered for ASRU selection, subject to your availability. Lieutenant Colonel Adam Boyd, the Operations Manager (Men), recently signed letters to your respective COs, seeking their support with your release. Please let me know when you receive feedback through your chain of command on this matter so I know the letters have reached their intended destination. If your name doesn’t currently appear on the list and you’d like to throw your hat in the ring, you’re welcome to drop me an email.

 

I encourage all players and interested parties to become registered users of the ASRU website. This is particularly important for the player group as I will be using the website’s forum section to communicate key information throughout the year. You can only access the forum section if you have a login and password.   

 

2010 sees the introduction an exciting initiative known as “Emerging ASRU”. Emerging ASRU is a representative pathway beyond Single Service Union (SSU) level and onto the senior ASRU squad for up-and-coming players who are knocking at the door for senior selection. As initial guidance, if you haven’t previously been selected in the starting line-up for an ASRU XV, you’re eligible for Emerging ASRU consideration. In 2010, the inaugural Emerging ASRU team will contest a two match series against the visiting USCS team. The senior ASRU team will compete at the 2010 PACMIL Cup, and will play a warm up match against Victoria in Albury. Both squads will be announced at the conclusion of this year’s Australian Services Rugby Championship.  

 

For those of you wondering why the senior ASRU team won’t play against the visiting USCS team, it’s about time away from units and ships. My priority is to ensure the best players across Defence are available for PACMIL Cup. It’s unrealistic to assume that players will be released for SSU commitments, followed by the USCS tour, then the PACMIL Cup. And besides, the USCS tour provides an excellent opportunity for the Emerging ASRU team to forge an identity.

 

Overall, what I’m looking to emphasise is that ASRU should be seen as the pinnacle of Services Rugby Union representation; it’s something that the player group should be striving for – representation at the highest level of Defence rugby. The key, in my opinion, for those striving for ASRU selection, is to be training and playing regularly with a club in your local civilian competition, gaining selection and performing well with your respective SSU, and maintaining an effective strength and conditioning program throughout the year. Most importantly, get your priorities right from the outset and stay focused.

 

On behalf of the ASRU Men’s coaching and management staff, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all the best for 2010 – on and off the rugby field. We’re entering a period of high-profile playing engagements; opportunities that promise to be both enjoyable and rewarding. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Australian Services Rugby Championship in Canberra, 16 – 22 May. Keep in touch.