Welsh Rugby Union’s Rugby Pathway

St Peters RFC Junior section observes the Welsh Rugby Union’s Rugby Pathway.

WRU PATHWAY – MINIS TO MILLENIUM – Download the Pathway in Full

RATIONALE

The pathway offers a progressive way of introducing the game to young players and developing coaches. At the same time it aims to  capture the magic of the game and deliver a game that is fun to to play, enjoyable and stimulating to coach and promotes open running rugby.
In Wales we have a tradition of playing rugby with flair and guile. With the game moving into the professional era back in 1995 there has been increased pressure to produce players who are bigger, faster and stronger.
Running with the ball, passing and having the ability to beat an opponent are the Welsh way. In order for us to try and promote and develop these skills the pathway has been adapted for our younger players. The rationale of the rugby pathway is to aid the development of the player through their early years of playing and to provide them with a progressive approach to their learning and the skills of the game.
Contesting the ball is introduced in a controlled environment at the age of ten helping players to gain confidence in this area of the game. With these skills being developed progressively at each age group it is hoped that young players will be encouraged to stay within rugby and enjoy the benefits of the game.

Within the pathway there is also information for coaches to support them to introduce and develop skills safely and effectively. The progressive nature of the pathway will, it is hoped, assist the coach to deliver the skills of the game in a progressive manner, without overloading them with too much information too soon.