Following a successful Dewar Shield block, the focus turns to the WRU Regional Age-Grade Under-16s Championship with Cardiff Rugby North and South ready for action.

It’s been a hugely successful period across the Cardiff Rugby pathway, with Glantaf winning the Schools and Colleges league, and Cardiff Rugby Under-18s unbeaten, and it has been no different at Under-16 level. 

Pontypridd Schools won the Dewar Shield for the second consecutive season, while Rhondda Schools reached the semi-finals. 

Now, with the Under-18s Championship in its final weeks, it’s the turn of Cardiff Rugby Under-16s North and South. Cardiff North kick-off tonight at Bryngwyn School in Llanelli to play Scarlets East.

Cardiff Rugby Academy Manager, Gruff Rees said: “We’re looking forward to seeing our Under-16s North and South return to action in the weeks ahead, following a really successful Dewar Shield block.

“We saw some great rugby and development opportunities across our Schools groups, ultimately with Ponty Schools going onto win the competition, which was brilliant to see. 

“The lads have now been training for a couple of weeks as North and South. Luke Thomas, who has huge regional age-grade experience is leading the North, and Dr Gethin Thomas, who is a senior lecturer at Cardiff Met and a WRU coach developer, the South.

“They are leading  really good programmes, supporter by our EPP / 16’s District lead Stu Bradfield and Aled James our talent ID and pathway manager, ensuring alignment, continuity and direction going through to the Under-18s and then the junior and senior academies. We also have some experienced team managers in Iestyn Williams and Dai Brown.

“As ever, it’s a really important development programme for us, which is a key period for identifying talent, developing both individually and collectively, and helping these young men be the best they can be on and off the field of play.”