Apologies for late notice but training starts at 5.30pm at Court Herbert tomorrow (Friday) evening.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

There has been a change of venue from an Aberavon perspective and the fixture will now take place at Resolven RFC on Friday 3rd September. The kick off is scheduled for 6pm so the Aberavon players are requested to arrive by 4.30pm.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

All boys who have been involved with the summer training at under 12 and 13 are invited to attend training at Court Herbert on Friday 3rd September; 5.30pm start to finish at 7pm. If you are unable to attend the session then please email darthur@wru.co.uk to give your apologies.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

Following the summer trainning and the district trial matches with Bridgend and Swansea the under 14 coaches have selected the following squad. Players who have missed out will be observed during the coming season at club and school fixtures and can be added to the squad. The selected squad will meet up at Llandarcy Academy of Sport for their first session on Friday 3rd September (6pm till 8pm); bring both indoor and outdoor gear for the session.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer

After a difficult selection meeting the under 16 coaches have settled on a 25 man squad; however, the squad can be added to if  there are injuries or players make an impression with their clubs or schools:

Forwards: Jack Phillips, Tom Evans, Nic Evans, Tommy Thompson, Rhydian Owen, Dominic Richards, Jack Powell, Alex Daniel, Nathan Samuel, Joe Davies, Ashley Mortimer, Keiran Jenkins, Adam Jones and James Mayers. 

Backs: Jordan Griffiths, Curtis Davies, Tom Dew, Chris Leyshon, Richie Elliot, Kylum Austin, Arwel Roberts, Forde Cooksley, Chaye Griffiths, Alex Dukes and Adam Mahoney.

Training will take place at Court Herbert on Friday 3rd September (and Friday nights thereafter); a starting time will be posted on the website next week.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

Because of the forecast for heavy rain for the rest of the day tonights trial has been cancelled; could you please spread the word with anyone who may be travelling.

The next training session for the group will take place on Friday September 3rd at Court Herbert; the times of the session will be posted at a later date. 

David Arthur,

Afan Ned Development Officer.

1) Stand up and competing for the ball is not allowed. In circumstances when a ball carrier is in close proximity to a defender and initially they make contact in an upright position, the defender is duty bound to make every effort to drop down to a waist level (or below) and make a tackle.

2) Kicking is allowed in your own 22 metres at under 9, 10 and 11. Where issues are not mentioned in the new guidelines it has to be accepted that there is no change from last season.

3) It is not possible to have a maul at under 9, 10 and 11. Reference point 1.

4) You are not allowed to compete for the ball in the lineout at under 12 or 13, however, if the ball comes directly to you then you are allowed to catch it and play on. 

5) A player catching the ball at the lineout is entitled to go forward with the ball.

If the responses above do not clear up any issues that you may have had with this area of the game then please feel free to contact David Arthur on 07740612791.

If you require another delivery on the new laws then be aware that Coach Development Officer Tony Thomas will be leading a session at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Wednesday 1st September starting at 6.30pm.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer. 

Monday 23rd under 16 selected squad to meet at Penlan RFC at 5.15pm for a 6pm kick off.

Tuesday 24th under 12 selected squad to meet at Ystradgynlais RFC at 5.15pm for a 6pm kick off.

Wednesday 25th under 13 selected squad to meet at Pyle RFC at 5.15pm for a 6pm kick off.

Thursday 26th all under 14 squad to meet at Ystradgynlais RFC at 5.15pm for a 6pm kick off; because of the unfortunate postponment of last Thursdays trial there will be 2 squads playing on seperate fields on the night. The under 14 squad will be the only squad who trains this week; 5.30pm at Court Herbert on Tuesday 24th. Any player not available this week needs to contact Head Coach Andrew Thomas (07814781015) to let him know. 

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

A PRE MEETING will be held before the AGM for clubs to have an answer and question session with Dai Arthur on the NEW PATHWAY RULES  that have been released by the WRU, this meeting will start  at 6pm in the upstairs room of Neath RFC before the start of the AGM at 6.30pm, could all clubs please try to attend as this will clear up any confusion in the law changes for the forth coming season.

Thanks

Andrew

The players who have registered with emails will receive the folowing letter addressing their parents/guardians; those who have not registered with emails should contact the named person on the letter in order to receive a personal letter. If you have any queries then please feel free to contact David Arthur (07740612791) to discuss.

18 August 2010

Dear Parent or Guardian

2010 Under Armour, Welsh Rugby Union  Combine Tour 

Your child has been invited to attend the 2010 Under Armour, Welsh Rugby Union Combine Tour at Swansea University Sports Centre on the 26^th August. The Welsh Rugby Union is very excited to be working with Under Armour as our official kit supplier and as part of Under Armour’s investment in Welsh rugby, they have decided to introduce their tried and tested Combine concept to young Welsh rugby players.

Under Armour designed the Combine as part of their mission to “make all athletes better through passion, science and the relentless pursuit of innovation”. It is a high- impact, all-action day of physical and cognitive testing and skills development already used to test and improve the athleticism of American youngsters across a number of sports including basketball, soccer and American football. The WRU and Under Armour have now developed a rugby-specific Combine which will be delivered in Wales for the first time this summer to District Under 15 players across Wales. 

Every child invited to attend the 2010 Under Armour, Welsh Rugby Union Combine Tour has been asked to provide their email address to enable them to access their individual C360 score. If they haven’t already done so, please could you ensure your child forwards their email address to noconnor@wru.co.uk before attending the combine session. 

Registration for the combine session commences at 8.30am on the 26^th August at Swansea University Sports Centre, Sketty Lane, Swansea. SA2 8QB. We ask that you ensure your child is ready to register at this time due to the volume of children taking part in the activity. We also require each child to bring with them their own packed lunch. There will be complimentary water and energy drinks available on site. We will provide suitable clothing for each child taking part in the combine; however we recommend all children arrive in their usual rugby training attire. 

The event is due to finish at 5pm and we ask that all children be collected promptly at this time, however you are more than welcome to stay throughout the day and watch your child take part in the Under Armour Combines should you so wish. 

NB. There will be photography and filming of some of the Combine events in Wales, please find enclosed a consent form, please read this and sign to agree that your child may be filmed / photographed for publicity purposes. 

Yours faithfully 

Nicola O’Connor

Welsh Rugby Union Hospitality Executive

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.