The Blues regional age grade sides will compete in the WRU Championship which kicks-off in October.
The Blues will enter sides at U20, U18 and two sides at U16 (Blues North- Pontypridd/Valleys), and (Blues South- Cardiff/Vale) in this exciting competition.
The regional squads have gelled well since coming together In July. The regional age grade squads will train once per week and follow a comprehensive development programme throughout the year under the supervision of Gafyn Cooper (Player Development Manager) for the Blues region, and his coaching team.
Gafyn Cooper said The regional championships will no doubt be an exciting and top quality competition which will expose the players to an extensive playing and educational environment.
The WRU championships will culminate in a finals day on the weekend of 30th April 2005 at the Millennium Stadium, which will be a fantastic experience for the players involved.
Underpinning the regional age grade sides will be junior district squads which our experienced network of rugby development officers will oversee. The Blues region will be represented by Cardiff and Vale, Heart of Wales, Rhondda, and Pontypridd areas. Each of these districts will run sides at U12, 13, 14, and U15 the traditional schools district sides will enter the Welsh Schools Dewar shield competition.
This age grade rugby programme is supported through partnership with private business, such as Crownford Ltd, and unitary authorities across the region, keen to promote junior rugby and the development of future stars.
Lower down the age groups the WRU have introduced Tag Rugby as the national game for U8s in clubs which will hopefully boost the participation rates at grass roots level.
Gafyn Cooper added, Rugby development plays a huge part in the overall scheme of the Cardiff Blues vision. The structure outlined above will provide a clear and coherent pathway that will create clarity and identity for all young players.
Crownford Ltd are one of the largest training and consultancy firms in the UK and have been committed supporters of rugby in the wider Blues region for many years. Through sponsorship of the team and regional development officers, Crownford are pleased to continue this support. For more information on Crownford Ltd, please visit www.crownford.co.uk.