The WRU has formed a new U23s team to identify and nurture overlooked rugby talent in Wales
Cardiff: The Welsh Rugby Union is really excited about their new U23s team. They believe this squad will help find and develop players who might have been overlooked in the past.
This Friday, the U20s will play against the U23s at the Arms Park, and there’s another match next week in Llandovery. Gareth Williams, who used to be a senior assistant coach for Wales, is leading the U23s, with a solid support team behind him.
Other countries have similar setups, like the Emerging Ireland team that has toured South Africa. Richard Whiffin, the U20s coach, hopes this U23s team will stick around and become a regular part of Welsh rugby.
Whiffin mentioned that moving from U20s to the professional level can be a big leap. The U23s will give players a chance to step up and work with different coaches and teammates, which is super important.
He sees this as a great opportunity for players to aim for something more and get out of their comfort zones. It’s all about creating pathways for players to grow and develop.
The U23s will serve multiple purposes, acting as a bridge from youth rugby to the professional scene. It’s also a chance for late bloomers, like Ryan Wilkins, to shine and get noticed.
Whiffin pointed out that the team will include players from various backgrounds, whether they’ve come through the academy system or taken a different route. It’s all about giving everyone a fair shot.
Welsh rugby has faced some tough times lately, with the national team struggling. The WRU is working hard to improve things, including skills clinics with top coaches like Warren Gatland.
They’ve also pinpointed 60 players aged 15 to 24 for specialized coaching. Andy Lloyd from the WRU is optimistic that these efforts will pay off in the coming years.
Lloyd mentioned that the new academy license and changes to the Dewar Shield are steps in the right direction. It’s a long process, but they’re already seeing some positive signs.
He noted that they’ve had a deeper squad than in previous years, giving more players a chance to prove themselves. While other nations are improving too, they’re focused on what they can control.
Overall, it’s about bringing through as many professional players as possible while giving these young athletes valuable experiences. The stability in coaching since Covid has also made a noticeable difference.
With more players eligible for the U20s this year, it looks like Welsh rugby is on the right track. Progress is being made, and they’re excited about what’s to come.
