2016 was a year to forget for University. The club slumped out of top eight contention and were unable to secure any premier silverware, but have announced their return with a powerful start to the season this year.

University Rugby Development Officer Matt Megaw said it was this time last year that the club started their planning for 2017.

“It was the Monday night after we lost to Suburbs that we sat down to figure out why we didn’t make the top eight,” said Megaw.

The leading factor appeared to be lack of planning. Megaw said with staff turnover over the summer period the club was in a position where coaches weren’t sorted and no proactive recruitment of players had taken place.

“When I came on board I realized that we had lost ties with our local high schools and a big work on has been building those relationships and promoting our club in the community,” said Megaw.

When it comes to coaching, appointments began as soon as the 2016 season wrapped up to ensure correct planning could take place.

“Cam (Mather) came on board last year and originally wanted to be with the Under 20s but he saw something needed to happen so was happy to step up and take the role of premier coach,” said Megaw.

With structure in place, Megaw said the next step was reinvigorating the club spirit, which University is traditionally known for.

“All senior teams want to do their best and if everyone is playing their best, putting their best foot forward, it doesn’t matter what team you’re in, we’ll get there together.

University went through Pool B undefeated, a great reward for a lot of hard work.

“We didn’t have too many new faces to the team, we’ve just upskilled. The boys have been working harder than ever before on fitness and skills. And that’s everyone, we’ve played about 40 players in the premiers so far this season.”

Megaw said the highlight had to be the impressive victory over Grammar TEC a few weeks back.

“This year we wanted to prove to our supporters that we are better than what happened last year. Walking into the club after that Grammar TEC game it felt like we had proved what we can do.”

If ever there is a chance to prove something, it will be this weekend, against the very team that bundled them out of the top eight last year, Suburbs.

“It’s ironic really that this time last year Suburbs pushed us into the bottom eight and now we have them at home. There is a lot riding on this weekend, for a lot of guys this will be their point to prove.