Wairarapa-Bush premier division club rugby coaches are "hugely frustrated" at the slack attitude of many of their prospective players.
A sorry picture was painted at a well-attended informal meeting of coaches in Masterton this week, called because of the problems most clubs are having attracting sufficient numbers to training sessions.
Spokesman Steve Hurley said it was generally accepted that for a premier division side to function properly a squad of 25 was required and with just two weekends to go before the start of the 2012 season only two premier division sides were able to report a full complement of players.
"There are a lot of players out there who either are leaving their training to the last minute or aren't turning out this year, and it's hugely frustrating for coaches not to know one way or the other," Hurley said.
"The attitude of some players over availability has always been a bit of a problem but personally I can't recall it being worse than it is now. It's enough to drive any coach insane."
Hurley said all coaches were especially concerned about their teams being able to meet regulations which require them to have at least five front row forwards in their squads for each match.
"We understand the safety reasons behind that rule but right now there wouldn't be too many teams who have anything like that sort of front-row depth, it's a real worry," he said.
Hurley said the message for players yet to notify their intentions was simple, they should immediately contact coaches and at least give them some idea of their availability.
