He detailed plans implemented to increase participation across all levels of rugby, unify the pathway for players and coaches and reinforce the cultural values of rugby.
Following the review Lewsey undertook after taking on the role last year, his department has overseen:
– the creation of school-club hubs across the country with 43 schools employing full time rugby officers to increase participation within schools across Wales and help strengthen links to clubs, improving the sustainability of club rugby and long term player involvement. The initiative is set to benefit in many ways, developing good role models within the school, providing playing opportunities for boys and girls of all abilities and creating leaders with the introduction of coaching and refereeing qualifications through the Welsh Baccalaureate.
– The introduction of a new rugby pathway system which is based on an aligned, season structure to allow school, club and representative rugby to flourish simultaneously and without conflict.
– The implementation of a clear, national philosophy and skills curriculum for players and coaches, introducing and refining skills in a fun environment in a progressive manner. There is a top down approach to the philosophy which intrinsically links the national team to the development of the game. Coaches are being offered workshops and resources in order to support them in the delivery of the philosophy and age appropriate pathway model, which includes modified rules of the game designed to safely introduce the various elements of the game. Every club and school will receive a full set of WRU pathway booklets outlining the philosophy, pathway and clear, age and development specific expectations for players, coaches, parents and volunteers.
Josh Lewsey said, “Our role is to implement the necessary strategy, structure and processes within the afforded resources to underpin the long term needs of both the elite and community game in Wales.
“The priorities we identified and the plans we have put in place set out to reinforce the positive cultural values of rugby within an efficient and coordinated system and season structure. Through an improved school competition structure and the school-club hubs, we aim to raise the profile, standard and participation levels of school rugby.
“By increasing participation within schools, strengthening the links to clubs, and working closely with club volunteers, we aim to improve the long term sustainability of club rugby.
“We are connecting the senior, national team to those on the ground, both in our philosophy and in practical terms – the national coaches are fully engaged and will be delivering coaching workshops to the new school-club hub officers.
“There is now a coherent season structure and pathway which is conducive to developing players according to their age and development stage, growing lifelong friendships and helping players, coaches, match officials and administrators reach their own true potential within the game.
“It is key that we reach out to everyone involved in the game and the appointment of Caroline Spanton as our new National Women’s Rugby Manager is an important step in creating equality of opportunity for boys and girls.
“We recognise that there is no magic wand, but we firmly believe we are putting the right processes and structures in place to make a huge impact on the state of the game in Wales.”
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said, “As a small country, it is vital that we work together and maximise our resources. We need a vibrant school and club scene in order to increase participation and raise standards so that all players are given the optimum chance to excel. By working with those who develop young players, we are ensuring that our national playing philosophies are adopted at a younger age, which can only help what we are trying to achieve in international rugby.”
Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera Head Teacher Matthew Evans said: “As a school we have seen the real value of having a rugby officer in developing the self-confidence of boys and girls in rugby, but it also contributes towards their confidence within the whole school community as they contribute to extra-curricular activity.
“It has helped develop skills in the Welsh language and enhanced pupils’ progress in their academic and vocational courses. Simply and succinctly, developing an individual’s skills in one area can have a transformational impact on that pupil’s attitude towards their school, their education and their personal development.”
Debbie Austin, Sport Wales Manager added:
“Rugby can reach out and capture the imagination of young people and build on the increases in participation in sport we have seen in Wales recently.
“Working with young people in this way is key because it will provide more opportunities to play the game and strengthen school, club and community links.
“It’s important that sport can work in different ways and look at innovative approaches to get children engaged and hooked on sport for life.”
“It is important for Sport Wales to have a strong partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union. Together we are well placed to have a big impact on sport in Wales.”
School-Club Hub Officers by Region:
Ospreys
Pencoed Comprehensive Dean Ronan
Pontarddulais Josh Humphries
Olchfa Luke Lewis
Brynteg Ben Thomas
Bryntirion Kyle Tayler
Gower College Steve Jones
Ystalyfera Owen Phillips
Dwr-y-Felin Ricky Jones
Cefn Hengoed Tom Sloane
Bryn Tawe Llywarch ap Myrddin
Morriston Nick Jenkins
Porthcawl Greg Davies
RGC 1404
Ysgol Brynhyfryd Jim Salisbury
Llandrillo College Andrew Williams
Glan Clwyd tbc
Ysgol y Berwyn Euros Jones
Dragons
Llanwern High Llyr Davies
West Monmouth School Craig Everett
Lewis School Pengam Mike Hook
Bassaleg Patrick James
Coleg Gwent Ebbw Vale Lewis Roberts
Brynmawr Dorian Jones
Tredegar Adam Powell
St Julians Chris Conford
Newbridge Jake Thomas
Scarlets
Ysgol Dyffryn Amman Gareth Potter
Queen Elizabeth High Gethin Robinson
Ysgol Bro Dinefwr Tomas Marks
Ysgol y Strade Deiniol Evans
Bro Myrddin Aled Griffiths
Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth Owain Francis
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf Geraint Evans
Sir Thomas Picton Gethin Greaves
Coleg Sir Gar tbc
Blues
Eastern High Leigh Davies
Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf Rhydian Garner
Fitzalan High Stuart Clarke
Llanishen High Harry Trelawny
Aberdare Community School Gavin Williams
Treorchy Comprehensive Chris Jones/ Neil Boobyer
Crickhowell High tbc
Ysgol Gymraeg Cymer Ben Daniels
Ysgol Plasmawr Sion Wyn Davies
