Nigel Walker reveals new Welsh rugby plan and hits out at 'lazy' attacks from people 'who should know better'

The Welsh Rugby Union have admitted they have not done enough to support the age-grade programme in recent times and spelled out what is being done to rectify that.

In recent months, fears have been raised that the country has not produced enough talent to take over the mantle from a golden generation of players at senior level that are approaching the final knockings of their Test careers. Compounding worries is the fact that the under-20s side have not enjoyed any notable success since a talented crop stormed the Six Nations in 2016.

Among a myriad of issues currently facing the game in Wales, the development pathway, which produces the talent to keep the professional game alive, is perhaps one of the most pressing. The pandemic has impacted on young, talented rugby players significantly as games were held on ice while the elite game slowly restarted. There were fears that the growth of some had been stunted, exacerbating problems.

Things came to a head during the Six Nations when Welsh rugby legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies accused the WRU of ‘failing youngsters coming through’ and said there had been a ‘lack of leadership’ in a live TV tirade.

With the game in Wales seemingly at a crossroads amid attempts to align the game throughout the pro and semi-pro levels, now is the time to find the perfect system to ensure that teenage prospects fulfil their potential.

This is something the WRU’s performance director Nigel Walker, who was appointed last July, has spoken passionately about.

It was put to him that ‘things were not great’ at age grade level and that players were spending ‘too much time in academies and not enough time playing’. Walker bristled at the suggestion, replying: “If I may be so bold, that’s a bit of a