When the Armidale Blues women's sevens squad began training, signs were dire with numbers lacking.
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But an influx of players from various sporting codes has put them well and truly in the frame to be contenders for the New England Rugby Union women's sevens title.
Co-coach Andrew Patfield said they've recruited a host of players and, while many of them don't have much rugby sevens experience, he is excited by the natural talent they've brought with them.
"There was concern at the start of the year we weren't going to field a team but then all of a sudden when they heard a women's comp was starting they all came out of the woodwork and we've got girls from all over the place," he said.
"[Training has been] quite good actually considering we have had a bit of an import but the skill level is pretty wide set.
"We are finding a lot of the girls that are new to rugby union have got a bit a rugby league background but we have also got AFL players and soccer players; their hand-eye coordination is second-to-none."
The women's competition is set to be one to watch this year.
It hasn't just been the Blues who have picked up talent from other sporting codes who have cancelled their seasons; other clubs have benefitted from new arrivals.
As a result, the NERU competition has expanded to include seven teams this year and Patfield is "as keen as mustard" for it to get underway.
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"A lot of the punters, especially the start of the year with the competition we held in March, that the women's game is increasing, it is growing so quickly," he said.
"I think a lot of the the men's games played a little bit of second fiddle to the ladies games, especially in that competition so it will definitely turn some heads.
"We have got some serious players coming through."
Patfield is particularly excited to see Glen Innes return to the competition, with a former Blues' player set to turn out for the Elkettes.
"Absolutely great to see Glen Innes come back because, when they were in our comp a few years ago, they were very, very good to watch," he said.
"I think they were probably a bit too good for our comp but now the skill level has caught up, I think they will be a bit shocked on how good New England is.
"They were very, very dominant when they played so it will be interesting to see if they can go straight back to where they left off.
"I don't know if they have got one of our girls as well, Lauren Clarke.
"She is a machine and I think our girls know about that so it will be interesting to see how they go against her but I think we will probably just concentrate on getting the basics right first and then worry about the others."