Competing in the ‘Super Six’ event, the very best Under 18s players from the Scarlets, Ospreys, Blues, Dragons, RGC/North Wales and the Exiles played a series of matches designed to promote dynamic, running rugby as part of the National U18s player identification process.
The previous weekend the Exiles squad attended a ‘combine test/skills assessment’ day in Cardiff during which they also received expert advice on nutrition and lifestyle management.
In the build-up to the Super Six’ day the Exiles spent time preparing at The Vale and at the team hotel on the outskirts of Cardiff.
In the first of their three matches the Exiles scored two tries in an entertaining 12-12 draw with the Ospreys before losing 10-nil to a very powerful Dragons side. Finally, the Exiles produced some thrilling rugby to beat RGC/North Wales 33-17 in their last game.
Wales Under 18s National Coach, Chris Horsman said: “The concept of the ‘Super Six’ event is to raise standards and skill levels and to consolidate the style of rugby we want to see at this age. It was great to see an Exiles squad being so competitive against the very best under 18 players in Wales. Considering the Exiles didn’t have the same preparation time as the regions I thought they were outstanding and we look forward to monitoring the progress of several Exiles players.”
Paying tribute to the Exiles squad, WRU National Exiles Officer, Gareth Davies added: “I thought the Exiles players were excellent and they were clearly comfortable at this level.
“This was great exposure for them and the ‘Super Six’ event was an ideal way to compare the standard of the Exiles players with the elite under 18 players based in Wales. It also demonstrated again that there is a credible pathway for players based outside Wales into the highest levels of Welsh rugby via the Exiles programme.”
