Oz exodus
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Nicky Heaney.
LIMAVADY rugby club has been hit hard by the immigration bug in recent weeks, with three 1st XV players making the move to Australia in the last month. Wing forward Perry Semple flies out this week, following hot on the heals of backs Lee Smyth and Nick Heaney, who left the country last month.
“It has left us massively short in depth", said coach Glen Kyle.
“All three are players, you could rely on to make a mark at 1st XV level, so at a small club like Limavady, the loss is multiplied.
“At the end of the day, this is life choices and you can't blame anyone for making the trip. With the job market the way it is in Northern Ireland at the minute, young guys are finding it much easier to get work abroad, and it is an experience that they will never forget.
“I know that immigration has hit a number of local gaelic football teams with small player bases hard, and the rugby club is starting to feel the affect also."
This Saturday, Limavady make the short trip over the mountain to Coleraine for a local derby match that could go either way.
“I've said it countless times before, and especially before local derby games, nobody can predict the outcome. It really is about who wants it more", continued Glen.
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