Zone Trial
Rugby Union - Boys

2026 Zone Rugby Union Convenor: 

• Alex Pappalardo, Galston PS 

This Beecroft Zone Trial is an excellent opportunity for high potential and gifted students to showcase their skills as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework. 

This trial supports students who excel in this sport by, allowing them to develop their talents further by competing with and against the best students to hopefully represent NSW at Nationals.

The Zone Convenor is seeking nominations from boys in Years 5 & 6 who demonstrate exceptional skill, understanding, and dedication in this sport.

Criteria for Nomination to Trial:

• The student currently plays for a representative team in this sport.

• The student has shown the potential of a representative-level player but is not currently participating at a representative level due to cost or other circumstances.

Please note:

• NSWPSSA Pathway Representative Trials are open to students who currently demonstrate exceptionally high levels of skill and performance in this sport. Students who are actively playing in representative teams (e.g. district or higher) are strongly encouraged to nominate.

• While we value and acknowledge all students’ efforts, private coaching, participation in private lessons and/or perceived potential does not meet the eligibility criteria for these trials.

• If your child/ward is not among the best players, they will struggle at the trials against those who are.

• Average or above-average players are not being sought for nomination.

• Due to the size of Beecroft Zone, Schools can nominate a maximum of 2-3 students who meet the above criteria. Sometimes in our 21 member schools, the demand to trial exceeds the available spots. In these situations schools conduct trials (where possible) to ensure they nominate the best 2-3 students.

• It is ok for schools who do not have students that meet the criteria to not nominate any students. 

• Final nomination decisions will be made by your school sports coordinator and principal, based on the information and criteria outlined above.

As Rugby has many technical aspects to the game please be selective in who you nominate, students will need knowledge of ruck/mall, line outs, scrums etc. 

Eligibility:

• 13 year olds are not eligible to trial under NSWPSSA Handbook Rule 5.11.1C 

• 10 Year olds may trial, however, must be signed off as competent by a Level 2 Rugby Union coach

  • • Schools will need to provide this if you nominate a 10 year old.

• ARU Size requirements:

  • Students must be within the ARU Guidelines:

    • • https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/File/5229 

• No 10 year old will be allowed to trial in the front row.  

Rugby Union Boys is open to Boys ONLY, Girls should use the Rugby Girls 7s pathway.

Date:  TBA

Venue:  TBA

Time: TBA

Cost:  $5

Pathway to be selected in the Sydney North Team:

1. 1. 1. 1. Nominations must be through your school sport coordinator

         2. Beecroft Zone Selection of 6-8 students

         3. Sydney North Selection Trial

Successfully Nominated Students:

•  will receive a Trial Permission Note from their school sport coordinator.

  • • This Zone Trial Note must be presented to the convenor at the trial fully filled out and signed by:

      • • • Sports Coordinator

          • Principal

    • No note, no trial.

Additional Information from the convenor:

• This trial is not selecting a team, it is to select the best 6-8 individuals to take to The Sydney North Rugby Union Trial

• Students must wear 

  • • Suitable clothing for a Rugby Union Trial

    • a mouth-guard

    • Footwear is compulsory, boots are allowed

Students Selected in the Zone Team:

Students Selected in the Sydney North Team: