So what does the new campaign hold in store for the competing sides? Eleven teams, more than 250 young hopefuls and the carrot of taking the next step on the player development pathway, along with earning the bragging rights amongst friends.
Last season, the honours went to the Ospreys Under 16s and the Blues U18s, narrow winners in their respective finals at St Helens and the Brewery Field. This time around, the competition promises to be every bit as tight, equally exciting and most definitely as rewarding for those who take part – on and off the field.
Joe Lydon, head of rugby performance and development at the WRU said; “Once again we are looking forward to the first piece of action. The competition has grown in strength over the past half a dozen years with a great many of our current internationals having cut their teeth in age grade rugby.
“This year promises to be just as competitive and hopefully, for the players, a suitable pathway for them to take the next significant step on their journey towards senior rugby.”
The tournament is now in its seventh season with the Blues having recently challenged the domination of the Ospreys and Scarlets. Success at Under 20 level for the Blues in 2007 and 2008 and for Blues North Under 16s in 2008 and 2009 was followed up by last season’s successful Blues under 18 side.
In the early years, the Scarlets enjoyed a clean sweep in 2004-05 with the Ospreys succeeding in all three age groups 12 months later. In 2006-07, the under 16 and under 18 silverware was back at Llandarcy whilst the Ospreys under 18s have won four of the last five competitions.
The emergence of Gogledd Cymru since their introduction to age grade rugby two years ago, has given the tournament even greater meaning in terms of spreading the gospel around Wales. In the first year, the North suffered a whitewash at both age groups. Last year, they enjoyed victories at both levels and for U18 team manager Will Morecombe, 2010-11 represents another opportunity for the fifth region to grow in stature.
“Of course we would like to win more games, but I think the main focus for us is to continue producing good players,” said Morecombe. “The feeling in the North is good and we are certainly looking forward to getting things underway this weekend.”
After Sunday’s games – the U16s are at Abercwmboi (1pm) and U18s at Merthyr (1pm) – the Scarlets U16s entertain the Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets on Wednesday evening (7.15) while the Dragons take on Blues South at Cross Keys.
At U18 level, the Ospreys and Scarlets will exchange blows at Llandarcy before Gogledd Cymru’s U16s and U18s welcome the Ospreys to Colwyn Bay and Parc Eirias respectively, on August 22.
On August 25th Blues North entertain the Dragons at Abercwmboi (7.15), Blues South welcome the Scarlets to Taffs Well (7.15) and the Blues U18s make the short trip across the border to Blackwood to play the Dragons. To end the month, on August 29th Gogledd Cymru are once again the hosts – the U16s meet the Dragons at Colwyn Bay (2pm) whilst the U18s play the Dragons at Parc Eirias (2pm).
This season there will be semi-final play-offs at both age groups with first playing fourth at home and the second placed team hosting third to determine the Championship finalists.
Sunday’s Teams:
Blues U18: C Allen; O Jenkins, R Evans, T Pascoe, L Chalke; R Patchell, L O’Brien; C Lewis, E Lewis, B Thyer, L Connolly, C Lacey, E Jenkins (capt), S Pring, L Young. Replacements: J Dando, J Dunning, B Roach, Z Deere, J Raikes, G Thomas, J Phillips
Blues U16: S Hutchinson; J Barnett, A Summerhill, S Edwards, G Smith; S Withers, S Clarke; L Crump, A Gibbs, D Lewis, A Luxton, M Jeczalik, J James (capt), L Davies, B Llewellyn. Replacements: N Evans, K Belmont, J James, G Davies, J Harris, J Evans, J Smedley
Gogledd Cymru U18: D Jones; T Brittain; J Blackmore, M Jones, A Oakden; L Barker, A Bagshaw; J Simpson, G Pym, J Evans, J Williams, G Williams, J Grundy, M Parry, A Gwyn. Replacements: M Bevan, J Weaver-Jones, L Williams, J Harding, A Schwarz, J Williams, L Edwards
Gogledd Cymru U16: O Jones; J Strong, H Edwards, R Williams, O Sharples; E Gwynedd, G Pari; B Salisbury, L Williams, C Mitchell, T Oliver, J Hazlehurst, T Twigg, S Critchley, M Davies. Replacements: J Bullard, T Back, S Parry, A Pope, D E Jones, D Rees Jones, R Mayor
