Prior to the Konica Minolta Cup Finals at Millennium Stadium, all attention will be focused upon Cardiff Arms Park as age grade teams at Under 11, 12, 13 and 14 compete in their own finals.
Following the recent success of Cardiff Schools in the Dewar Shield, the Under 11s have the opportunity to match the U14s success as they face Bridgend in the DC Thomas Cup.
The Blues have stepped in at the last minute after the game was moved from the Millennium Stadium and it means the Under 11s are playing their part in a festival of rugby at the Arms Park. Before the DC Thomas final, district sides from Cardiff & the Vale, RCT, Heart of Wales and Pontypridd will compete at Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14 in the inaugural Blues Regional Cup competition.
The format of the competition sees three pools of four playing in a round robin tournament in the morning at Cardiff University playing fields, Llanrumney.
. This exciting new competition gives an opportunity for the best players in each district (at Under 12- 14 inclusive) the chance to play at the Blues regional ground, as the two finalists at each age grade transfer to Cardiff Arms Park for their Final
Each game will last 15 minutes except for the finals which will be played 10 minutes each way. All games will finish in time for supporters to see the Konica Cup Final between Pontypridd and Llanelli.
Commenting on the finals of the DC Thomas Cup and Blues regional competition at the Arms Park, Blues Community & Coach Development Manager Richard Hodges said,
“We are delighted to be hosting the showpiece game of Under 11 rugby at the Arms Park. This shows out commitment to junior rugby with over 250 district players from the Blues region playing on the Arms Park on one day.”
“It is particularly important to afford this opportunity to players from the ex-Warriors region as it creates an identity with the Blues from an early age.”