Welsh rugby clubs speak out on 'disaster for youth rugby' following WRU announcement

Fears have been expressed over the Welsh Rugby Union's changes to youth rugby in Wales amid claims clubs' concerns have been ignored.

The WRU have permanently cut the age range of youth rugby players from 16-19 to 16-18 until 2026, sparking a big reaction from those involved in that level of the game. It comes after the change was brought in temporarily for this season due to Covid restrictions amid warnings it could result in a "lost generation" of players. You can read the full details here.

Those fears remain for many, with one club claiming more than half the players told they would have to make the step up to senior rugby a year earlier than hoped have already signalled their intention to quit. There are also concerns pitting 18-year-old front-rowers against experienced 30-year-olds could be physically unsafe.

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The WRU believe shortening the age band by a year will actually help lower the number of players dropping out of the game and see more youngster going on to play senior rugby.

One source of frustration among some clubs is a perceived lack of communication from the governing body on changes. The WRU say they surveyed over 9,000 individuals as part of the process of creating these changes, but some clubs have been unimpressed with the nature of the survey and claim there has been a lack of a robust and open consultation process.

One club official told WalesOnline the survey was "loaded with closed questions", claiming there was lack of a proper consultation process and that clubs feel they been railroaded into the decision.

A recurring fear was the number of youth teams that could fall by the wayside in the coming years, as well as