The Dragons continue to develop their programme and the continuity between U18s and seniors is working well with players potentially putting their hands up to play senior rugby from the Under 18s already. Players from every club across the Gwent region have been represented at some point so far in the season which shows positive progress within the clubs also.
Last time they faced the Blues it finished in a 14-14 draw so they know that they have a tough game ahead against a talented Blues side.
The Blues are hoping to continue to build on their standards from their last performance pre-Christmas and the coaching team are focused on implementing additional phase play attack options with the team. They have recently introduced a new off-pitch player development programme, led by the new team manager Claire Wright to ensure their players become confident and well-rounded performers with the ability to manage school life and rugby.
Down west the Ospreys are looking forward to getting back out onto the pitch in this second half of the season, they have progressed as a squad since their first encounter with the Scarlets at the beginning of the season and have since seen a young Ospreys team secure two wins against both the Blues and the Dragons.
The Scarlets finished round three bruised after a defeat to the Blues, and so are really excited to get back into the programme and show the improvements as a squad. They have been back in training since the middle of January and have attracted a few new players who have come in via open training sessions.
Rhys Edwards, National Head Coach says, “The regional programme is pivotal to ensuring talented players have quality outlets to develop their rugby and aim to secure a welsh jersey in the future. It is a credit to the people involved in the regions that we have seen players developing so well this season and this next phase is crucial for these players. The U18s programme is growing in depth and it is very positive for the future and the senior regional game.*
