Former Wales captain and current WRU Head of Participation Ryan Jones believes the union’s new girls rugby initiative will provide girls with “equal opportunities to progress within the game from a young age”.
Jones was speaking at the launch of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan for junior girls rugby, which will see the season moved to the summer and a number of cluster centres set up in a bid to increase participation from Under 9s to Under 15s.
The two-time Grand Slam winner, who took part in a rugby session for girls at Llanwern High School in Newport, said, “Providing opportunities for women and girls to play the game, but also as coaches, referees and administrators, is a key strategic priority for the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Women’s rugby is a sport currently experiencing huge growth around the world.
“Another Six Nations win for Wales Women will hopefully ensure qualification for next year’s Women Rugby World Cup and there is also the possibility of a Wales Women Sevens side participating at the 2018 Commonwelath Games so it’s important that girls have equal opportunities to progress within the game from a young age.
“The new clusters will provide an outlet for the demand we’ve seen exist in Wales for organised girls rugby.
“Working closely with the school clubs hub, the clusters should produce a conyeyor belt of talent for the senior women’s game, but importantly will increase particpation levels and give girls an enjoyable experience to stay involved in rugby for the long term.”
Also speaking at the event was current National Women’s manager Caroline Spanton, who said, “We hope the brighter evenings and warmer weather will help attract more girls to rugby in a safe and fun environment, and it also means girls won’t have to choose between rugby and other team sports such as hockey and netball.”
Jones was also promoting a new survey which will look at men’s rugby at adult and youth level in a similar vein to the women’s game.
Speaking about the ‘Shape our Game’ survey, Jones said that it will look to target particaption levels in the junior and amatuer game.
“The survey is in conjuction with some working groups in place at the moment.
“We’re looking at the amateur game – everything below elite rugby.
“We’re very much focused on particpation. We’re looking at formats, being inclusive and the enjoyment and values of rugby.
“We want to engage parents, volunteers, coaches and referees to ensure that our game is safe, secure and sustainable for the next 125 years.”
Cluster rugby kicks off after Easter and all girls interested in playing at one of the clusters should go to wru.wales/girlsrugby to register their interest.
