THE potential future stars of Cornish rugby have been in full training throughout the summer as they bid for the coveted places in this season's Cornwall U16 and U15s squads.

Professionalism has affected the whole spectrum of what was once a solely amateur sport, but that has never influenced the physche of young Cornish rugby players whose first real burning ambition is to wear the black and gold of the Duchy.

Now, it had been made even easier to get on the first rung of county rugby. Instead of being nominated or selected for trials, the county organisers are inviting youngsters to put their talent to the test by just turning up at centres and undergoing a trial.

The centres have been established at Hayle RFC, Newquay Tretherras School and Launceston RFC and already here has been a good response.

The u16s meet on the second Monday of each month and the u15s on the fourth Monday, with players attending their nearest centre.

Players have been working on all aspects of their game, with a particular emphasis on decision making.

"The standard at each centre has been extremely high, with some very talented players and this augurs well for the forthcoming county games," said CRFU coach David Thomas.

"All three centres can cater for additional players, so any budding county stars who have yet to attend need to be involved in the September sessions.

"The format is changing just for September, with all three centres meeting at Truro College for a specialist skills and units session. These will start at 6pm on the college rugby pitch."

The dates are Monday 11th for the u16s and Monday 25th for the s15s.

For anyone who has not registered for either of these dates, please send name, position, school, club and contact number to D Thomas, 16 Treverbyn Rise, Penryn, TR10 8RA.

The U16s will play A and B XV fixtures in November and the U15s in January and February.

The county u18 and 17 squads have started training on the third Monday of each month on the all-weather pitch at Newquay Tretherras School.

The sessions are open to all players who want to be considered for the county teams. Players must be under 18/17 on January 1, 2007, and need to just turn up for a 6pm start.

The county u18 games are played in November, with the u17s in February and March.

Added Mr Thomas: "Top-quality coaching is available at all the centres and for Cornwall to field the strongest possible XVs in all age groups in the coming season, it is important that players of county potential attend the appropriate centre."