Recent update from SRU.

AGE GRADE COMPETITIONS – S1/S2 AND UNDER 18

I am writing to clarify the position regarding changes to the age grade competitions for this season. As spelt out in the Rugby Record, the age grade programmes are based on the principles of long term player development and are designed with the best interests of the young players in mind.

S1 and S2 Programme

The principles of Long Term Player Development suggest that at this age the players’ programme should prioritise the development of individual and team skills and enjoyment in the game. Any competitive games should be played with these objectives as the focus and not winning as the main priority. The highly competitive, result focussed, elitist environment encouraged by a national competition is not considered appropriate at this age. Accordingly, with effect from the current season there will be no ‘National Finals’ for S1 and S2 teams. Instead, Regional Festivals will be organised where the emphasis is on involving as many players as possible with the focus firmly on skill development and enjoyment.

U18 ‘Tri-District’ Competitions

At the Under 18 level, experience has shown that cross-regional ‘filler’ competitions result in unnecessary and excessive travelling and a large proportion of non-fulfilments. Accordingly, fixtures will be organised on a regional basis right up until the National play-off stages and there will be no cross regional fixtures prior to this.

These decisions have been taken following consultation with the Competitions Commission, Performance and Regional Development staff, Council representatives and rugby administrators. I hope you will agree that they will help in creating a structure in which all of our young players can develop to their full potential in an appropriate environment.

The Competitions Commission is looking into other ways of structuring age grade competitions to create the best possible environment for developing our young players. Any comments in this regard will be welcomed either directly or through the national survey to be issued shortly.

Thank you very much for your co-operation.

Yours faithfully



Richard G McGhee
Rugby Services Manager

This article was posted on 24-Oct-2007, 21:50 by Hugh Barrow.