The Tasmanian Jack Jumper squad for 2008 commenced training on Sunday February 3rd.  Prior to this official first session, informal sessions were run in Hobart and Launceston in late 2007.  Additionally, letters were sent to some 45 players in January this year, inviting them to attend training and trial for the squad.  While I understand that some of the letters may not have reached their destination, I believe most did.  In addition, any player who believes they have something to offer the Jack Jumpers is also invited to attend.  Club coaches are asked to identify and encourage players who they believe are worthy of representing Tasmania to get involved in the program.

To date, numbers at training have been poor.  I am unsure as to why that would be the case as players have the opportunity to train and play at a higher level, in a semi-professional interstate competition funded by the ARU.

This Sunday 17th February, training is being held at Royal Park in Launceston, commencing at 11.00am and finishing at 12.30pm.  All players wishing to be involved are expected to attend this session.  Future Sunday trainings will be held according to the following program:

24 Feb - southern based players at Rugby Park, northern players at Launceston

2 Mar - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

9 Mar - whole squad at Royal Park Launceston

16 Mar - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

23 Mar - no training, Easter

30 Mar - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

6 Apr - whole squad at Royal Park Launceston

13 Apr - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

20 Apr - whole squad at Royal Park Launceston

27 Apr - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

4 May - whole squad at Rugby Park Hobart

Sat 10 May - Jack Jumpers Vs Adelaide in Adelaide (Travel TBC, assume leave Friday, return Sunday)

Sat 17 May - Jack Jumpers Vs Darwin in Hobart

Sat 24 May - Jack Jumpers Vs Melbourne in Hobart

Players will be expected to commit to the entire training schedule to be considered for selection.  The Australian Rugby Shield provides players with an outstanding opportunity to be involved in rugby at a higher level, aiding not only their development but also development of the game as a whole in Tasmania.

I encourage all players to make themselves available for selection and attend training.

Regards,

Bear

Adam Nicholson

Jack Jumpers Coach 2008

Phone: 03 95605001

Mobile: 0418 116 082