The best talent from Wales’ Under 18 generation will compete for the College League Championship. But who will be the next George North or Scott Williams? This is the nursery that might provide the answer.
Coleg Morgannwg are set to challenge Bridgend College in the first live match to be streamed live on the website, www.s4c.co.uk tomorrow afternoon.
A special highlights package on S4C on Tuesday, 24 April will feature the best of the week’s college and Under 18s rugby matches in Wales and the series will also give an insight into how rugby at this level affects the game’s development in general.
WRU Performance Manager, Gethin Watts, said, “This is a fantastic initiative for the further development of rugby at college level.
“It is the second season of this competition and the announcement that some of the games will be shown online and on television will assist the WRU in growing the competition and help it to reach its full potential and achieve its aim to increase strength in depth of players in Wales for Regional, international and Premiership levels.
“A thriving Colleges League in Wales can not only help players with their physical, athletic and tactical development, but we strongly believe in the educational role the Colleges carry out for our players too.”
Russell Isaac, the series’ producer, added, “This is the first time for S4C to broadcast rugby matches exclusively online and it’s a great development. The series will pay particular attention to the Welsh Rugby Union’s policies and campaigns regarding talent development and attracting future players outside the region’s Academy structures. The likes of winger George North developed his talent through college rugby. The WRU’s main aim is to attract more youngsters to play so that it can increase competition for places.”
During the season, seven colleges have battled for the championship. At the start of May, the two teams leading the league will compete in the final, where one team will be crowned the winner and take home the silverware.
“College rugby attracts a great number of supporters to the traditional Wednesday afternoon games and now we’ll be giving the players a stage to show their talents on S4C. Who knows, we may see many of them starring on the international stage in years to come. That is certainly the hope of the Welsh Rugby Union. It’s an important development for Welsh rugby,” added Russell.
By expanding and increasing the number of colleges and possibly schools competing in the league next season – including Llandovery College – the WRU hopes to emulate structures in New Zealand and South Africa. In those countries, talented young players receive much encouragement but rather than having a small nucleus of elite players, the quality improves and there’s an increase in the number of players.
Rygbi’r Colegau, Tuesday 24 April 9.30pm, S4C
www.s4c.co.uk
