WRU Weighs Reinstating Wales A Team as Chiefs Consider Options

Cardiff: The Welsh Rugby Union is thinking about bringing back the Wales A team. This team used to be the second string for Welsh rugby, playing in the A Six Nations. They haven’t played since 2003 when the former WRU CEO David Moffett decided to cut costs.

They did officially bring it back in 2016, but it was more about reshaping the U20s setup. Now, there’s a buzz among the WRU’s high-performance team that having a few Wales A matches could really help players grow. Richard Whiffin, the U20s head coach, shared his thoughts on this.

He believes it’s essential to keep giving players a taste of high-level rugby after they finish with the U20s. There are many talented young players out there who are doing well in regional rugby but aren’t quite ready for the senior team yet.

Whiffin sees the Wales A team as a stepping stone, offering players more international experience. He mentioned that while some might view it as a way to capture talent, he sees it as a chance for development. Playing in front of good crowds against different international teams would be a great opportunity.

However, if the WRU decides to go ahead with this, it’ll depend on two main factors: funding and scheduling. The idea is to help bridge the gap between regional games and the senior team. There are many professional players in Wales who are on the edge of being selected, but it’s tough to know if they’re ready for Test matches.

Andy Lloyd, the WRU’s talent manager, emphasized that any plans need to fit into the players’ current schedules. With many senior players being quite young, it’s crucial to ensure that adding more games won’t overwhelm them.

There’s been chatter about this because other nations like Scotland, England, and Ireland have already brought back their A teams. Scotland and Italy have fewer professional sides, which makes their situation different. Most of the young Welsh players are actively playing, so finding the right balance is key.