Every year a new batch of graduates takes the step up from club land to Super Rugby to achieve their dream of a professional career. But while they are usually well known amongst the grassroots fraternity that has keenly followed their progress from schools and rep footy, they arrive at the next level as largely unheralded potential. So let’s find out a little bit more about NSW Waratahs prop Rory O’Connor – one of the New Bloods!

It took him a bit longer than anticipated, but after making his HSBC Waratahs debut in the season opener against the Melbourne Rebels, scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin is keen to cement his position in the matchday 22. After a standout season in the 2010 Shute Shield with Eastern Suburbs, the Ken Catchpole Medal winner was chomping to show that he could crack it.