Waterford senior hurling management are to hold an open trial in November as Stephen Molumphy begins the process of building his panel for the 2027 season.

The 42-year-old, who won two Munster titles and a National League title with the Déise during his playing career, as well as earning an All-Star in 2007, was appointed Waterford senior manager on a three-year term.

On Monday evening, Waterford GAA published a lengthy statement from Molumphy across its social media channels, outlining his plans for the 2027 campaign and the direction of the senior setup.

A key part of those plans will be an open trial for club players in November, with the venue expected to be either Walsh Park or Fraher Field.

Club secretaries will be asked to nominate players who they believe deserve an opportunity to impress the new management team, with the trial intended to ensure the door remains open to talent performing strongly across the county.

It comes as Molumphy prepares to make significant changes to the Waterford senior panel, with a number of new players set to be introduced over the coming months.

Some younger players will initially be brought into the senior setup before returning to the U20 programme in December, giving them an opportunity to experience the demands of senior inter-county hurling.

Molumphy says developing Waterford’s emerging talent while simultaneously building a competitive senior team will be a central focus of his tenure.

“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.”

Players will be invited into the senior panel over the coming weeks, with management looking for individuals who are prepared to embrace the challenge of representing Waterford.

Molumphy has stressed that being part of the county setup will require significant commitment, sacrifice and hard work, while also stating his desire to create an elite performance environment that players are proud to be part of.

The November trial will provide another route into that environment for players who have impressed at club level.

“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,” Molumphy said.

“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.”

The new management team has also assembled what Molumphy describes as a strong backroom group, with significant experience and expertise being brought together ahead of the new campaign.

There is an acknowledgement that the rebuilding process will not be without its difficulties, with management accepting that some selection decisions may not always be agreed with by players, clubs or supporters.

However, the commitment, Molumphy says, is to provide opportunities, create competition for places and prepare Waterford to compete at the highest possible level.

The former Waterford captain has also called on supporters to play their part as the new era begins.

He says he wants Walsh Park, along with every venue Waterford visits in 2027, to feel like home for the players.

“We want our players to know that the people of Portláirge are behind them.”

The 2027 League will provide Molumphy with his first competitive opportunity in charge, before attention turns to the Championship.