Cardiff Rugby launched it’s 2023/24 Junior Academy at the Cardiff Arms Park last night with a welcome event for the new batch of players.

The players attended the event with their families, and after an introduction from Head Coach Matt Sherratt, were presented with their Cardiff Rugby jerseys.

In total, 22 players aged between 15-18 and all hailing from the Cardiff region were inducted into this year’s Junior Academy.

Players on the Academy will participate in two training and four gym sessions a week at the Cardiff Arms Park and will be supported by Cardiff Rugby Senior Academy staff Dan Fish (Attack Coach) and Craig Everett (Defence Coach), as well as WRU U18s Head Coach Richie Pugh (Skill Development and Contact Area Coach).

It is part of an aligned development programme that includes key collaboration with schools, colleges and clubs within the region in order to provide enhanced playing and training opportunities for talented young players.

Aled James, Talent Pathway Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the boys to the Junior Academy and are excited with the calibre of players within the group.

“They are a very talented bunch who all have national age grade aspiration and the potential to progress into our first team.

“We look forward to seeing them progress and will support and challenge the players in equal measure.”