More than 60 boys and girls between 8 and 14 completed the six-week development program, with participants coming from Gloucester, Forster, Taree, Wauchope, Wingham and Nabiac .

Development manager Lee Sullivan believed the campaign had been an overwhelming success. 

"A strong support from the Mid North Coast board and a quality working party with a clear direction has laid the foundation and created pathways for junior rugby in the region," he said.

"The exciting prospect is what is now in planning for the remainder of the year and in 2020 a competition will be established."

The Get Into Rugby Lower Mid North Coast campaign had four target groups - providing introduction to rugby, fundamental skills, core attacking and defensive techniques, which all aligned with ongoing development for a game.

Under-10s coach Aaron Dodds believed the development from week one to week six had been phenomenal and that the future looked bright for rugby in the local area.

"What a true blessing, seeing young boys and girls having so much fun, learning rugby, creating good friendships and showing true rugby spirit," he said. 

Under-12s coach Jim Wilson said his group had been more than enthusiastic and had not only developed skills, but friendships as well. 

"Players initially with little knowledge of rugby were able to mix it with the best of them by the end of the program," he said. 

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Female development coach Felicity Gorge believed the campaign had given young girls in the area an excellent opportunity to experience the joys of rugby. 

"Young girls turning up after commitments such as ballet and athletics prove there is plenty of keen kids that want to play rugby," she said. 

"Having quality coaches assist the girls playing footy with the boys with no special treatments has seen huge smiles, high fives and their enthusiasm was infectious."

Mid North Coast Rugby Union executive officer Bob Wilson was grateful to all those who helped with the program.

"MNC Rugby really appreciate the work done by Lee Sullivan, Aaron Dodds, Mat Morris, Jim Wilson, Tom Davidson, Felicity George, Stuart and Andy Paynter, Michael Wooster and the many others whom have assisted with the successful delivery of junior rugby," he said. 

"It's the future of rugby and very important for the game."