Waterford will hold open trials in November for their senior inter-county hurling panel as new boss Stephen Molumphy vowed to “develop the next generation of hurlers” in the county.
Last month, Molumphy was confirmed as Peter Queally’s successor.
The 42-year-old, who won two Munster titles as a player for the Déise as well as a league title to go along with All-Star recognition in 2007, was appointed on a three-year term.
On Monday evening, Waterford posted a lengthy statement from Molumphy on their social media platforms.
It reads: “Over the coming weeks, players will be invited into the Waterford senior panel. We are looking for players who want this challenge. Being part of a county panel requires commitment. It requires sacrifice, hard work and a willingness to put the team and the county ahead of yourself at times.
“It will demand a lot from the players, but equally, we want it to be an elite performance environment that players are proud to be part of and excited to come into every day.”
Waterford again failed to emerge from the Munster SHC round-robin stage this year, and Molumphy has promised to flush the squad with new faces.
Their minors won an All-Ireland in 2025, and seem likely to get a genuine opportunity to stake a claim for involvement with the seniors for 2027.
“Moving forward there will be change within the panel,” Molumphy added.
“We intend to introduce a significant number of new players and give opportunities to players who we believe can contribute to Waterford senior hurling in 2027 and beyond.
“Some of those players will be at the younger age and be with us only for the early stages in order to introduce them to the senior hurling environment and some will return to the under-20 programme in December.
“Ultimately, the Waterford jersey has to be earned by the players.”
“We know that the people of Port Láirge want to see our emerging talent given an opportunity, and we are absolutely committed to doing that. We have a responsibility to develop the next generation of Waterford hurlers while also building a competitive senior team.
“Those two objectives can and must go hand in hand. We also recognise that Waterford has a huge amount of talent playing hurling in clubs across the county, and it is important that the door remains open.
“With that in mind, we will hold an open trial in Walsh Park or Fraher Field in November. If clubs believe that there are players who deserve an opportunity, we will ask club secretaries to nominate those players to be included in the trial match.
“We want to make sure the process is open and competitive. Ultimately, the Waterford jersey has to be earned by the players. Therefore the coming months are about building something together.”
In a plea to the fans to rally behind what is likely to be a new-look side next year, Molumphy said: “There will be challenges. There will be difficult days. There will be selection decisions that players, clubs and supporters may not always agree with.
“But our commitment will be to work honestly, give players opportunities, create competition for places and do everything we can to prepare Waterford to compete at the highest possible level.
“And we will need the people of Port Láirge with us. When we walk out for our first league game in 2027, and ultimately when the Championship comes around, we want Walsh Park and every ground we play in to feel like home. We want our players to know that the people of Portláirge are behind them.
“The support of our clubs, our supporters, our families and everyone who loves Waterford hurling matters enormously. This is not just about a panel of players, a management team or a backroom staff. It is about Waterford hurling.
“We have an opportunity over the coming year to bring new players through, develop those already established at senior level and build a team that plays with ambition, pride, courage and a real connection to the county. We are looking forward to getting started.
“To every player who receives an invitation over the coming weeks: embrace the opportunity. Challenge yourself. Work hard. Earn your place. And to every Waterford supporter: Come with us. We will need you.”