The Welsh Exiles programme was set up nearly 30 years-ago but for the past four years there has been a serious emphasis on strengthening the games in Wales through recruiting Welsh qualified players at both age grade and senior level. And Davies is confident the Exiles programme will continue to thrive in the future.
“Whilst some Welsh rugby supporters may be concerned that young players are occasionally leaving Wales to pursue their rugby, they can all be assured that if the players are Welsh qualified we still monitor them very carefully, via the Exiles programme, wherever they go,” said Davies.
“We take it as a huge compliment that clubs and academies from outside Wales have an interest in our best young players. To a certain extent It’s testament to the outstanding work the regions are doing to develop such players.
“Understandably, the generous rugby scholarships available at some schools outside Wales are very tempting to both the players and the parents. However, every year there are also a number of young ‘elite’ Welsh qualified players from outside Wales who are involved in the Exiles programme and choose to move into Wales to further their rugby ambitions.
“Succession planning is crucial and I work with all the regions and the WRU on their succession planning. We’re already planning ahead to the 2023 World Cup and 2027 World Cup. In what positions are we expecting to be strong for these World Cup’s and in what positions will be a bit weaker?”
With Davies’ help the Welsh regions have been able to tempt a number of talented Exiles youngsters to throw their lot in with them. Only three weeks ago the Scarlets handed development contracts to highly rated brothers Sam and Harri O’Connor who they manage to prize away from Bath while 15 year-old scrum-half Harry Williams has signed for Northampton.
Indeed, there were five Exiles representing Wales Under 20s in the Junior World Championships last month with a further nine in the Under 18s Six Nations. The Exiles programme also monitors some of the more senior Welsh qualified players who have not yet committed to Wales.
“When you look at Tom Francis who came into Welsh rugby quite late after tip toeing through the English system it was a bit of a wake-up call,” said Davies.
“We thought gosh how many Tomas Francis’ are there? A combination of the relationships we have with the regions, universities and the three main rugby playing independent schools allows us an opportunity to drop players in at a level which suits them.
“We can then monitor their progress. It’s not about being an elite 18-year-old player we want them to be at the top of their game when they’re in their 20’s.
“We’re constantly talking to agents in the Southern Hemisphere and monitoring players in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa while we’re also scouting competitions such as the Currie Cup and Mitrea 10 Cup for Welsh qualified players.
“We don’t cherry pick at a young age it’s open to all players. It’s important that we engage with these players and their families. We hold regional camps in England twice a year so realistically nobody has to travel more than a few hours.
“The camps last for a week and it’s like a roadshow. We have hundreds of players attending our events.
“It’s an opportunity to engage with them and their parents as well. We’ve had loads of examples of players coming from overseas. We had a few boys over here from New Zealand last year for example.”
