On the back of a record-breaking haul of medals for Wales at the Commonwealth Games and with Wales recently recording their best ever placing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup with eighth place, Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey is leaving no stone unturned with a new strategy as the WRU looks to unearth some hidden gems from other sporting backgrounds.
Former Rugby Sevens World Cup winner, Richie Pugh will be among those keeping a close eye on the day’s events.
“These are exciting times for women’s rugby on all fronts,” explained Lewsey. “We will soon be appointing the new Head of Women’s rugby and later this year we are taking a Sevens team to play in Dubai before a new Six Nations campaign begins next year while the next World Cup is now just three years away.
“Wales have just secured their best ever placing in a World Cup, claiming eighth in Paris while at the Commonwealth Games Team Wales came away with a record haul of 36 medals. On a sporting front we’re on the crest of a wave and we hope to tap into that success.
“There are numerous skills which are transferable between a variety of sports and rugby and we would encourage anyone between the ages of 16 and 30 who is athletic, fast, skilful or indeed has a fiercely competitive nature to attend. You could end up playing for Wales in Dubai in the world famous Sevens tournament or in the Six Nations!”
Wales Women’s captain Rachel Taylor, who has played in two World Cups and also represented her country in Sevens, added: “I would urge anyone with a sporting background to go along and attend. There will be speed and agility tests along with individual and team tasks so there is something for everyone to have a go at.”
Lewsey pointed out that two of the players who competed in the last World Cup, Laurie Harries and Elinor Snowsill, came from football backgrounds before taking up rugby as proof skills can be transferred from one sport to another.
At the end of the day’s action, Lewsey said every participant would be given a clear pathway to continue with playing if they wished.
Sarah Powell, Chief Executive of Sport Wales, added; “This event is further evidence of the way that our sports are working with us to raise standards and develop the most talented young athletes in Wales. It is our duty to ensure that every child or young person with a talent has the support to excel, regardless of their background or gender.
“The opportunities that could be opened up within the Welsh Rugby Union system for women and girls make this a fantastic chance for those who have the potential for a career in first class sport.
“We already have some strong female role models in Welsh sport, many being the stars of the recent Commonwealth Games. We hope that through this programme we can continue to inspire more women and girls to take part in sport both in the community and at the highest level.”
Anyone interested can pre-register by clicking this link
