Rugby Union: Tamworth hit the training paddock in preparation for 2021 New England season

After what was their most successful season for probably 20 years, the Tamworth Magpies kicked-off their preparations for what is shaping up to a be a big 2021 earlier this month.

Looking to increase it's presence on the field, the club is hoping to also field teams in the North West Regional Youth Competition and has put the feelers out for interest for under-14s, under-15s and under-16s sides.

It is something president Mitch Hanlon said they have been pushing for years, pointing out that a lot of their players "come through that pathway. But to date they haven't been successful.

READ ALSO:

They are also looking for anyone interested in coaching or managing the sides, or just generally helping out.

The indications as far as the seniors have been encouraging, consistently getting 50-60 to training.

As well as first, second, third grade and women's, the Magpies are also planning to field a side in the new under-21s competition. It was slated for last season but with COVID was put on the backburner.

Hanlon is just hoping they can just have a "semi-normal year", describing last season as "the longest, shortest season" and "not a fun year".

"It was a lot of work. We were writing protocols then throwing them out and rewriting them again," he said.

They then had to enforce those at training and games etc.

It put a lot of strain on the club's volunteers, but has put them in good stead for this season.

"It will be easier, because we know what we can and can't do," Hanlon said.

He said the Country Music Festival not going ahead had also hurt them "a lot". They derive a large part of their income for the year from hosting festival campers.

"(But) We've got a very good finance team so we'll get through," he said, expressing his gratitude to their sponsors for their support.

The coaching side of things will see a lot of familiar faces returning. Peter Burke will again oversee first grade but will also look after the women's 7s side with coaches Natasha Field and Blake Hamilton wanting to take a step back after both welcoming babies over the off-season.

Training is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm at Tamworth Rugby Park.

Hanlon said they do have a couple of trials lined up.

One against Dubbo Roos. They will also play in the Armidale Knockout on March 13.