Echoing the success of the existing boys EPP programme which launched in 2023 for U16s Boys and saw the integration of the illustrious Dewar Shield into the regional pathway programme; the EPP launch for girls will help identify potential talent early and accelerate the women and girl’s player registration target of 10,000 by 2029.
Huw Bevan, WRU Performance Director says, “The women and girl’s game is growing at an exponential rate, that’s really exciting. That also means as a Governing Body we have to be ready to take advantage of that interest and create more opportunities for girls to train and play rugby.
“To achieve 10,000 registered women and girls over the next 5 years, and therefore increase the talent coming into the professional game, the focus is to provide every girl 6-18yrs the opportunity to engage, enjoy, and excel in Welsh rugby via educational settings and/or clubs/hubs in Wales.
“We see the launch of our EPP programme for girls in Wales as an essential step in the Talent Discovery phase of our player pathway development.”
The Emerging Player Programme for girls will be a pilot from January to April 2025. Delivered by WRU community teams and closely supported via WRU performance team, the project will be reviewed on completion of programme, with the long-term ambition of providing local, accessible high-quality training environments and playing opportunities, all within 1.5 hours driving distance from the players home or Girls’ Hub.
Initially delivered across nine sites from January 2025 and April 2025, the pilot will run across 6 – 8 weeks and include training and two playing opportunities in each of three areas (East, West, North). The programme is free for any player and is developed to become the first step for representative rugby and talent discovery.
Caryl Thomas, WRU Women and Girls Community Lead says, “This is a great progressional step in our strategic aim to enhance our offer for rugby playing girls across Wales.
“The EPP is designed to engage minimum of 60% of the registered players across areas of Wales from the ages of 14-16 and I would encourage any player to come and take part. If any girl who plays rugby at the moment and one day dreams of representing her country, they should come along.
“This is where the community game and professional game intertwine as it will give player the opportunity to explore their skills in a professional setting providing a stepping stone for player development, and the first chance for talent discovery along the Women and Girls player pathway.”
Player Eligibility
*Age 14yrs – 16yrs (Year 10 & 11 in education)
* School within area (e.g. school is based in West Wales, Scarlets and Ospreys region). *If player lives or attends education across two borders of West/East/North Wales, the player’s school will become the basis for decision of location.
Express an interest and sign up for the programme
If you are an U16 player aged 14 – 16 and interested in further information and signing up for the programme, please get your parent/guardian to sign up on the following link: –
Sign Up for WRU U16s Girls EPP
Upcoming Locations
West Wales
1. Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth, Carmarthenshire
Friday 24th January – 14th March, 19:00 – 20:00
2. Haverfordwest High School, Pembrokeshire
Monday 27th January – 17th March, 18:00 – 19:00
3. 3G Training Field, Ysgol T Llew Jones, Synod Inn, Llandysul, Cardiganshire
Monday 27th January – 17th March, 18:00 – 19:00
4. Llandarcy Academy of Sport, Swansea
Monday 27th January – 17th March, 17:30 – 18:30
Playing opportunities – Sunday 23rd February & Sunday 23rd March
East Wales
1. Pontypridd RFC, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Monday 13th January – 3rd March, 18:00 – 19:00
2. Blackwood Comprehensive (3G), Monmouthshire
Monday 13th January – 3rd March, 17:00 – 18:00
Playing opportunities – TBC
North Wales
1. Caernarfon RFC, Gwynedd
Monday 3rd March – 7th April, 17:30- 18:00
2. Wrexham RFC, Denbighshire
Monday 3rd March – 7th April, 17:30- 18:00
3. Coleg Llandrillo, Conwy
Monday 3rd March – 7th April, 17:30- 18:00
Playing opportunities – Sunday 23rd March & Sunday 13th April
