He may have coached a range of cross-code football superstars such as Joseph Sua'ali'i in his time but for Mudgee Public School principal John Carters the biggest joy is giving back to his local community.

Rugby Australia recognised that last week when he took out the Community Coach of the Year award at the national body’s annual John Eales Medal night.

While busy enough running a school of almost 600 students in north-western NSW, Mr Carters still finds time to give back to a sport and community that he is so passionate about.

From coaching school and Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) teams to the local Mudgee Wombats – while himself still taking the field for the club’s second grade side – Mr Carters just can’t seem to shake his love affair with the 15-a side game.

“Fitting it in time wise is always interesting,” said Mr Carters, who has been coaching at a school level since 2009.

“But it is such a great thing for me as a principal to connect with the community.”

Often associated with private schools and the GPS ranks, rugby is again making a mark in the public school system.

Jake Gordon (Sydney Secondary College, Blackwattle Campus) and Will Skelton (Hills Sports High School) have shone for the Wallabies in recent years while primary schools and female players in the public system are also doing plenty to lift the profile of the code.

Mr Carters has more than played his part, volunteering his time for the code whenever he gets the opportunity as the rugby revival continues to gain momentum.

“I was blown away in Newcastle this year at the PSSA Championship. 2009 was my first carnival and just seeing the growth of the game and what kids are able to achieve is incredible,” he said.

“It was actually going to be Sydney North v Sydney West in the final this year which would have been the first all-public school final.

“It got called off due to bad weather on the last day but the advancement of the game and what public schools are doing in the rugby space is heading in the right direction so it’s just great to see.”

Mr Carters said more than 150 students trialled to play in the Western PSSA this year and the code continued to enjoy fantastic growth, particularly in country areas.

As for Sua'ali'I, who came through Regentville Public School, he recognised a young star of the future.

“I had the privilege of coaching him at Sydney West for two years,” Mr Carters said.

“And it all started in that public school pathway - Penrith Zone through to Sydney West and then onto NSW PSSA Rugby.”