The Welsh Rugby Union has formally announced that it will be hosting a development camp in Wales to showcase the finest talent in Women’s U18s rugby from all four nations. The camp, to be held in the Welsh capital, has the primary objective of providing an opportunity for the most promising young rugby players to shine at the international level.
Teams will convene at Cardiff University for a week-long camp, during which they will undertake training, competitive matches, and engage in shared unit sessions and coach exchanges. The highlight of the camp will be a festival day of adapted 35-minute games held at Cardiff University Sports Fields on Tuesday, July 23rd. In addition, a double-header event is scheduled to take place at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, July 27th, featuring matches between Netherlands U18s and Scotland U18s, as well as Wales U18s and USA U18s.
This rugby initiative, which involves the Scottish Rugby Union, USA Rugby, and Rugby Nederland, is part of a development partnership aimed at identifying and nurturing talent at the U18 level in preparation for the Women’s U18s Six Nations in April 2025.
Lillicrap, the executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, expressed great enthusiasm about the upcoming camp, emphasizing the value of competing against national teams in the same age group. According to Lillicrap, these types of competitions and training camps are crucial for the growth and development of young players, providing them with valuable experience and understanding of the demands of international rugby. Lillicrap also highlighted the benefits of playing against opponents with different styles and approaches to the game, which can contribute to the players’ overall development and skillset.
The camp’s fixtures include a day of 35-minute games on Tuesday, July 23rd, where all four nations will compete against each other, followed by matches between Netherlands and Scotland, as well as Wales and USA, at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, July 27th.
This initiative serves as a testament to the commitment of the Welsh Rugby Union to promote and develop women’s rugby, providing young players with the necessary opportunities to showcase their talent and progress to the international stage. It also highlights the importance of fostering a competitive and supportive environment conducive to the growth and development of young rugby players.
In conclusion, the upcoming Women’s U18s rugby development camp hosted by the Welsh Rugby Union is a significant and essential opportunity for the most promising young players to gain valuable experience and exposure at the international level. It demonstrates the union’s dedication to the development of women’s rugby and the cultivation of talent, and it serves as a platform for the future success of these young athletes.