Schools Programme

The contribution that the schools have made to Welsh Rugby, its development and progress, has been absolutely vital to the game in this country.

Successive generations of dedicated teachers, have sustained the game in the schools with a long and distinguished tradition.

Children are often introduced to the game of rugby at school, with tag and touch the usual first ports of call. The WRU strives to ensure that the level of coaching is of a high standard and that the game is played in an enjoyable manner.

As children get older and improve their skills they can move towards the more competitive seven or 15-a-side forms of the game. There is no limit to how far children can go, but the foundations are crucial, which is where schools come in.

Our development Officers work closely with Teachers and 'Active Young Persons Officers' in delivering a programme of Festivals and School Visits to give young players in both Primary and Secondary Education a positive experience of the game.

In the forthcoming season our development officers will strive to give all Primary schools in Wales an opportunity to participate in at least 3 Festival within their cluster group.

In a new initiative our development officers will offer Secondary Schools an opportunity to participate in Yr 7&8 Festivals where they will be asked to supply 2 teams for each festival and both scores will be added together to create a result, this will give young pupils that do not make their 1st school team a chance to represent the school and enjoy a positive rugby experience.

At U'15's we have the Dewar Shield National Competition where schools Districts compete initially in pools and the results determine then weather the District then plays in the Main Cup, Plate or Shield competition.

At Senior Schools we have a National Tertiary Collage League and also a National Schools League.