The Waratahs are building a team for the 2018 season, a move which is included in their ‘Rebuild the Reds’ program that is also seeing more junior teams added to the long-standing rugby union organisation.

The Tahs were one of the founding members of the HWRU in 1998 and held a position in the league for a number of years before withdrawing due to player numbers.

Those problems appear to be behind them however with the initiative planning to draw in more young women to the club’s system.

The entry bid is also boosted by some big names, including Wallaroos halfback Katrina Barker, who comes into the team fresh off the back of a run in the IRB Women’s World Cup in Ireland just last month.

Barker, who moved to the region from Sydney and played for Maitland last season, is one of a host of players to commit to the Tahs.

The Waratahs president Greg Taylor said the introduction of a women’s team was part of the “Rebuild The Reds” initiative aimed at boosting player numbers.

“While our men’s teams have always been competitive, we are looking at entering an additional men’s team in 2018,” Taylor said. 

“This year saw a junior team being rekindled with the intention to have two or three junior teams in 2018. The prospect of a women’s team is simply part of our program in building a stronger club.”

Taylor believes that the surge in popularity in women’s rugby after the Rio Olympics was a key component to the revitalisation of the leagues and local interest.

“The success of the Australian women’s team in the Rio Olympics and a groundswell of publicity about young women being able to play rugby has seen a renewed interest in The Waratahs entering a women’s team,” Taylor said.

Sarah Campbell, one of the key players for the new team, said the Tahs planned to join Maitland, Merewether Carlton, University and Wanderers next season.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest from women in playing for The Waratahs next year,” Campbell said. 

“It’s very exciting as expanding the competition to five teams would be great for women’s rugby in the Hunter.”

For information on the women’s team, contact Campbell on 0412 163 439.