Gruff Rees hopes Cardiff’s U18s can put the finishing touch on a special season when they face the Ospreys in Thursday night’s WRU Regional Age Grade Championship final at the Arms Park.

The young Blue & Blacks head into the decider unbeaten, but for Rees, the campaign has always been about more than results.

More than 40 players have pulled on the shirt during this block, with many already taking steps into senior environments, featuring for Cardiff RFC or earning international recognition with Wales U20s.

Looking back at the much-changed team’s 28-27 victory over the Dragons, Rees couldn’t hide his pride in what the squad has achieved this season.

“I’m really pleased. There were some real consistent messages that Saul and Aled put together in terms of the importance of the game. In the grand scheme of things, the result, winning or losing, didn’t change much for us in terms of the table, but it was important to freshen the group up and give opportunities. That’s what this programme is about.

“To see boys step in, lead and drive the team, when they’ve been in the background putting their best foot forward all year, was really gratifying. The way they pulled through at the end says a lot about them and about how we run things.

“We’ve had over 40 players who have had exposure across the Championship and 27 of those have actually been year 12.  So, they’ve all got next year as well, which bodes well for us in terms of the pipeline of talent.  Them having these experiences and then being able to understand what it takes next year is a significant thing for us.  

“On the weekend we also saw four of this U18s cohort get senior exposure with Cardiff RFC and Tom Howe started for Wales U20s. It was a brilliant weekend for us, not only winning but seeing boys get those development experiences.”

The progress is already visible. Fifteen players from the group have been involved with Wales U18s, while others have stepped into Wales U19 squads or senior rugby with the RFC.

“This 18s group is probably the result of a lot of good work over the last few years,” Rees explained. “Identifying talent is one thing, but developing it properly – physically, technically, and mentally – is the key. There’s been a real joined-up approach with schools, colleges, and our S&C work. Aled James deserves a lot of credit for that.”

Gruff Rees is now hoping to bring home some silverware when they face the Ospreys in Thursday night’s WRU RAG Championship final.

“It would be nice to crown it with a trophy,” Rees admitted. “It’s the culmination of a long program starting with the work Josh Turnbull put in last summer and then really picked up significantly by Saul alongside people like Gwilym Bradley and Callum Digby and Neil Edwards.

“It would be great if those guys and of course the players get the reward of lifting the title on Thursday night. We were in a similar position last year with the Ospreys coming to the Arms Park and deserved winners on the night.

“Players learn a lot through those moments – how you react when you’re ahead, how you respond when you’re behind. We’ve challenged them on that.

“At the end of the day, it’s two good teams with lots of talent. Hopefully it’s a good game and we show what we’re about.”