WRU Conference launched and new landscape for 2nd XV rugby in Wales

All elements of male club rugby in Wales have helped steer a fresh approach to second team rugby in a move which could revitalise the club game. Following an extensive consultation process, a range of options for second team rugby are now available to clubs and players, all with the aim of providing meaningful, regular rugby at an appropriate level of competition.

WRU Head of Rugby Participation Ryan Jones is buoyed by the moves to make it easier to play grassroots rugby.
“We just want to remove any barriers to playing rugby for your local team,” said the 75 times-capped former Wales international.

“We all love club rugby and recent feedback from clubs and male players including the Shape our Game survey confirmed that the core game is something we want to build on. However, we recognise the need to adapt various elements to make it easier for players of all levels to get involved and stay involved.

“There is no one format or level of competition that appeals to everyone so the key difference going forward will be in the range of options available. Whatever your age or ability, whether you have ambitions to step up to your First XV, you’re not yet ready to hang up your boots but aren’t able to commit as much to training or playing as previously, are a lapsed player or just fancy giving rugby a go for the first time, there is now a way for you to play regular rugby at an appropriate level.

“The Game On menu gives a variety of options with regards to the number of players per side and adaptations to the format of the game in order to remove barriers to matches going ahead, providing a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for players.” 

The Shape our Game survey received more than 3500 completed responses from those linked to 285 clubs within the male game and highlighted second team rugby as a vital area for the sustainability of club rugby in Wales.  

Following feedback from clubs, second teams, WRU Board members, District rugby representatives and other bodies, a three tier approach to this level of the game has been adopted with the principle aim of providing greater options to clubs in order to attract and retain players within the game.

The WRU’s purpose is More People, More Often with More Enjoyment and More Success and it was clear that although there is a very obvious appetite for traditional club rugby in Wales, a much more open-minded attitude was needed in order to enable clubs to adapt and continue to grow within the demands of modern society.
 
The second team landscape in Wales:
 
Tier One
A new, ten team WRU Conference will kick off this weekend which will see the most competitive 2nd XV sides across south east and south west Wales play each other, firstly in an east and west league format before splitting into two tiers for the second part of the season. The WRU Conference teams will be entered into the WRU National Bowl.

Rationale: This will be the pinnacle of 2nd XV rugby in Wales. It is set to support clubs with sustainable and competitive 2nd XV sides, helping them to retain future First XV players and ease the transition from youth to senior rugby.

WRU Conference teams:
East: Rhiwbina, Bargoed, Penallta , Pill Harriers, Risca Athletic
West: Bridgend Athletic, Crymych, Llandovery, Narberth, Newcastle Emlyn 

Newcastle Emlyn secretary Chris Jones said, “Second team rugby is an integral part of our club’s conveyor belt from the under 7s to the first team. There is a big step between youth rugby and the National Championship so the second team is a critical stepping stone and the average age of our second team this season looks to be around 21.

“We welcome playing in a formal league and testing ourselves against the best second teams from across south east and west Wales – we don’t mind the travelling, in fact we are looking forward to it and to welcoming the other teams to Newcastle Emlyn.”

Risca secretary Colin Wilks said, “To be one of the ten inaugural clubs in this competition is a big thing for us. We have won the Newport & District League seven of the past eight years and although this will be a big step up, it’s just the challenge we needed. We run teams from junior to youth and senior and our second team is a vital platform to enable everyone to play regular rugby.  

“We have one 45 year old in the side but by and large the squad is made up of last year’s youth side and as soon as we knew we were accepted in this competition, our training numbers increased – there’s an air of excitement in the club at the moment.

“We have a really good squad of Athletic players, many of whom would be good enough to leave and join National League first teams but they have a strong allegiance to Risca and want to carry on playing for us, many aiming to play for the firsts one day.

“The inclusion in the National Bowl is another huge challenge and will be a real benchmark for us – we are looking forward to playing Crumlin in Round 1.”

In North Wales, four 2nd XV teams – Pwllheli, Nant Conwy, Mold, Denbigh – will compete in WRU Division 3 North. This decision was supported by North Wales clubs both from a geographical point of view, with travel to compete in the WRU Conference not sustainable, but also because it is felt the clubs’ presence will make Division 3 North more competitive, underpinning the league structure in North Wales.

Nant Conwy secretary Neil Pringle said, “Our inclusion into Division Three North has revitalised our second team. Pre-season numbers are brilliant and the players’ motivation and enthusiasm are on a high. Our second team is crucial to the development of our players from youth to senior and a formal league structure is key to that. Hopefully the second teams will help strengthen the division as a whole.”
 
Tier Two
Competition structure: The majority of second teams in Wales compete in District 2nd XV Leagues. The models vary from Region to Region but the new Game On philosophy and collaborative work by club and district volunteers, WRU staff and Board members to support this level of the game means 2nd XV rugby is now firmly a priority across the board. 

Rationale – To facilitate regular, meaningful rugby at the appropriate level of competition, to assist the transition between youth and senior rugby which will support the retention of players within the game

Rhondda and East Glamorgan competitions secretary Roy Wilkinson, who has been part of the second team working panel said, “Every club needs a second team. Second team players are more often than not the lifeblood of your club especially from a social point of view, and from a rugby development perspective, if there is no second team to bridge the gap to First XV rugby, youth players can be tempted to leave the game altogether.

“The changes have injected a new lease of life into second team rugby in my area, the biggest difference being the increased flexibility of rules and regulations, allowing games to go ahead, even if there are a player or two short or if they are lacking front row replacements.”
 
Tier Three – GAME ON – see attached graphic
This level of the game is geared to those who wish to participate in a more social form of club rugby and the relaxed, adapted regulations in the new, Game On menu of options will support that.

Players must still be registered but there is nothing at stake at this level of the game. Matches or festivals can be arranged without a formal league with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment.

Liam Scott, WRU rugby coordinator and Barry RFC coach whose second team participated in a Game On festival at Abercwmboi RFC recently said, “The festival was an opportunity to blood seven youth players into the senior game and bond as a squad. The whole ethos was about fun and enjoyment, the referees played their part too, and it was good to hear the views of some of our committee members afterwards who saw the benefits of the new approach. Nothing was at stake which proved a key factor in the players’ enjoyment of the game.”