As Cardiff RFC prepare to take on Newport in the semi-finals of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru championship, Gruff Rees has provided the latest update on the Cardiff Rugby pathway and academy.

There is rarely a moment to rest within the pathway set-up as the focus shifts between programmes from Under-15s EPP to the senior academy, schools, colleges clubs, and the various fixture blocks of each. 

That has been no different in recent weeks as friendly fixtures at Under-17s level have followed on from the Dewar Shield season, as well as Under-18 and 19 blocks at club and country level.

All of these moving parts have continued as the Rags secured a top of the table finish in the SRC, and while undoubtedly the goal is now to be crowd champions, Rees is adamant that the individual requirements of players’ own development has to come first at every level. 

Rees said: “It’s been a busy and productive couple of months for all of us within the pathway. We have had our 16s combined playing friendly fixtures on the back of our North and South programmes and the Dewar Shield.

“We have basically talent ID’d these guys for 18 months through the EPP to Under-16s and we really want to take ownership of that EPP programme (15s) that underpins the Under-16s. 

“There’s a bit of a state of flux in terms of the hub officers at the moment but internally we have a vision and we want to drive that onwards. We are the first team to invest in that space with the appointment of Stuart Bradfield and I’m confident we can push on in the summer. 

“We also had a 17s programme, some of the 16s came into that and we recently beat the Ospreys in a good development game at the Arms Park.

“Credit has to go to Aled James, who deals with so many moving parts in that space from 15 to 18 and remains really consistent and patient working with players, coaches and our educational partners. Adding Josh Turnbull has added some real tactical and technical nouse to our coaching team, which is also helping up skill and develop some of our voluntary coaches throughout the programme. . 

“The challenge for us is always  to improve the quality and quantity of players and we are proud to have 30 players training with our senior academy through the summer programme. They will have support from full-time coaches on a full time basis four times a week. 

“A number of them will then push back toward the RAG programme with Josh and Aled, which takes place three times a week from the end of June, with competitive fixtures through August. 

“But the emphasis is on doing what is right for the individual . A number of them have already played for Wales Under-18s and we might push them back a few weeks to suit their needs. 

“Then the age-group programme will have another 30+ players, who are the most talented 16-18 year-olds in the region, getting nigh on full-time service from the Cardiff Rugby staff.

“I’m really proud of the fact we continue to put the individual first rather than winning an Under-17 or Under-18 game. Of course, we want to win but developing players is the priority. It’s about giving as many players in our pathway that provision and support.”

That individual development focus has already seen 10 of this year’s Under-18s group step up to play senior rugby with the likes of Lloyd Lucas playing for the Rags and Gabe Williams turning out for Glamorgan Wanderers. 

And it is with the same philosophy that Stef Emanuel and Matty Young have travelled to South Africa with the senior squad for the final two fixtures of the BKT United Rugby Championship season rather than stay with the Rags. Tom Bowen would have too, if not for the injury he picked up last weekend against Bridgend. 

Rees continued: “We’re pleased that 10 of our Under-18s have already stepped up to play senior rugby for clubs, four for Cardiff RFC in the Cup window. 

“Then some of the guys representing Wales Under-18s have really kicked on, like Rhys Cummings who is another talented full-back and has shone brightly on the back of his time with CAVC and our 18s. Guys like Rhys will be the next to step up to the Rags.

“It’s all about putting these young players into the right environments, at the right time for them and giving them the exposure they need. 

“Matty Young and Elijah Evans for instance have a big year ahead, in what would be their last year in the academy. 

“Matty has already been doing more and more in that senior space, and Elijah will follow alongside Harri Wilde. They have been standout players at SRC level so going into next year I hope they can make good impressions with the coaches, challenge the senior boys and continue to develop. 

“We knew Tom (Bowen) and Stef (Emanuel) would get some senior exposure, that is why we were so keen to bring them back but they have also been huge for the RFC. And the likes of Matty can be the next to step up.

“His line break ability and his ability to beat people is a real point of difference but even the basics of his game have developed really well. He is communicating effectively, really mastering the positional demands and embracing it.

“For Matty and Stef to go to South Africa will be really beneficial to their development. It will disappoint some fans that they aren’t available for the RFC  but they’ve earned that opportunity and being part of the senior group will be huge.

“You cannot underestimate that peer influence in terms of getting to know the dynamics, the standards of behaviour, the demands of professional rugby. 

“Stef has already been around that group a lot but for Matty to be rubbing shoulders in training and learning from guys like Josh Adams and Cam Winnett is invaluable.”

Focussing on this weekend’s SRC semi-final against Newport, Rees admits Young and Emanuel will be a loss but he is confident that the Blue & Blacks still have more than enough quality. 

With Harri Wilde out injured and Emanuel away, Lloyd Lucas will again get an opportunity at fly-half, making his first start in the SRC, and it is a perfect example of how the pathway should work. 

Rees added: “Last week was a proper cup game with intensity and edge. Both sides were really physical and played to a high level.

“There was a great atmosphere at the Arms Park and the boys were driven on to secure a deserved win with some fantastic contributions from the likes of Matty and Stef but underpinned by control and leadership from the likes of Ethan Lloyd, Sean Moore and Alun Rees. 

“This week will be another great test and a great experience for some of the youngsters but we are determined to get a step further. We really want to give the semi-professional lads that opportunity to be crowned champions. 

“We have had two really high quality games against Newport this year and I am sure Sunday will be no different.

“It has been brilliant this year to see our coaching team develop and be able to support our model at the club while pushing for high performance standards and results.

“Sunday is another great opportunity against our great rivals and everyone is really excited. Hopefully we can get the result everyone wants, which would be a great reward for topping the table.”