Storm brewing in Albany as record teams enter for two-day junior rugby carnival

A record number of rugby teams will converge on Albany this weekend for the annual junior rugby carnival. The Albany Junior Rugby Club will host the carnival that has attracted 36 teams nominations, including three from the Albany Storm. Teams from Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Mandurah along with sides from across Perth will take part in the carnival over two days with five different age groups in action. The Storm will field teams in the under-10, under-11 and under-12 age groups while the other two divisions are under-8 and under-9s. This is the fourth year Albany will host the event with organisers excited about the influx of teams. “It’s going to be a great weekend with close to 400 kids set to take to the field,” AJRC secretary Paul Osborne said. “COVID-19 has actually helped us because everyone is just desperate to get out and play. “We just hope everyone enjoys the weekend, people make the most of the weekend by coming down on Friday and staying for the two days. “It’s a worthwhile carnival and a big positive for junior rugby down here.” Games will be played on seven pitches at the ovals on the corner of North Road and Campbell Road. Squads will consist of 10-12 players with only seven allowed to take the field to give the kids a greater opportunity to get more involved. “Rugby WA have really got behind the event and will be attending,” Osborne said. “I encourage people to come down and have a look, it will a great spectacle. To have a record number of teams is fantastic and is very pleasing for everyone involved.” Games will start at 11am on Saturday and finish at 5pm while on Sunday they will kick off at 9am and wrap up at noon with presentations to follow.