Home

Beetles now Beasts

Jackson Lavell-LeeBusselton Dunsborough Times
Sonny Richards, Rudy Stevens, Seth McDonald, Jed Locock and Lochlan Kydd will represent WA at the U12 Beasts National Championship
Camera IconSonny Richards, Rudy Stevens, Seth McDonald, Jed Locock and Lochlan Kydd will represent WA at the U12 Beasts National Championship Credit: Busselton-Dunsborough Times, Aimee Fulcher

Five local rugby players have been selected to represent WA at the U12 Beasts National Carnival.

Sonny Richards, Rudy Stevens, Seth McDonald, Jed Locock and Lochlan Kydd journeyed to Perth for their first WA practice on Wednesday.

The tournament is the biggest under-12s tournament in the southern hemisphere, with Busselton and Dunsborough children making up a quarter of the WA touring team.

The local crew of dedicated sportsmen from Junior Beetles Rugby Club were “pumped” before training on Wednesday with a steely look of determination in their eyes. “We want to be rugby players when we’re older,” Jed Locock said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

After a recent visit from the Western Force, who reinforced hard work and discipline, the talented young superstars are highly motivated and well on their way to achieving their dreams.

Junior Beetles coach Gareth Richards said each of the players had challenged themselves to improve and showed an impressive work ethic to be selected for the WA team. “The hard work they’ve put in and the life experiences they’re going to get out of it is immeasurable,” he said.

“They'll be able to test themselves against the best in Australia and they have had to really raise the level of commitment. Their confidence grows every day.”

The Junior Beetles compete in a three-team competition against Australind and Bunbury but have earned a reputation as tough, determined and faithful teammates who believe they can mix it with anyone.

“Some of our upcoming talent has blown me away with what we have here in Busselton and Dunsborough. I’ve been coaching them for four years and our kids are very fit and skilled for their age,” Richards said.

“Tackling is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome. Teaching them how to get the technique right and building confidence to tackle bigger opponents is important. They’re fearless.”

More than 1000 players travel to New South Wales to compete in the event, which costs $3000 a player.

Those who want to help the boys get to the tournament can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/incredible-beetles-join-the-beasts-wa-touring-team.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails