Russell looks to overseas talent

Wairarapa-Bush rugby coach Peter Russell says an influx of overseas talent into the region could help lift the standard of club and representative play in 2005.
Players from such countries as South Africa and Australia have already inquired about the possibility of joining up with local clubs for next season and Russell is optimistic at least some of them will come on board.
"Their CVs are being circulated amongst the clubs and hopefully they will take it from there," Russell said "But they need to get on with it????.there is a lot of competition out there."
Russell is hopeful too that with Wairarapa-Bush finishing runner-up in the NPC third division competition last season they will also attract talented players from other provinces within New Zealand for next season.
"Players are starting to realise that if they don't make the A teams in their own provinces they probably need to move elsewhere to be recognised and we can benefit from that," he said. "We've got a reasonable profile now and that helps."
Russell, who has been re-appointed as Wairarapa-Bush selector-coach for the next two years, will make an early start to his planning for the 2005 season.
He and his management team will meet with current and prospective representative players on December 9 to discuss strategies and fitness programmes will be put in place almost immediately.
"You simply can't afford to have fitness as an issue when you are playing at the top levels," he said.
While happy with the progress made on the NPC front last season Russell believes there is still considerable scope for improvement, especially in terms of mental approach.
"Mentally we have to harden up, there's no doubt about that," he said. "There were a number of times last season where we had our opposition on the ropes but eased off and let them back into the game. Once you've got the foot on the throat you have to be able to keep out there."
Russell is confident that come the 2006 season Wairarapa-Bush will retain their own identity in the reshaped national second division competition.
There has been some talk of them possibly have to merge with the likes of Wellington, Horowhenua or Manawatu to meet the required structures-both finanaical and administrative- but Russell is adamant that won't be the case.
"Everything we are hearing is positive and I'm sure we will be there on our own account," he said.