GRFU Development League

Background 2013/14 season a new ‘Development League’ set up in the GRFU south region. The format of the league was decided upon based on regional unions who had successful clubs at this age and managed to retain more young players in the game. Aim of the league was to encourage retention of players between 17 and 19 and manage their transition into senior rugby. 10 teams entered with Cleve, Thornbury, Keynsham, St Brendans and Cotham Park combining their U17s and 18s. No teams have dropped out this season and the three top teams are those who have combined their age groups.

Set up All clubs from within the Bristol region were asked to enter in order to reduce the amount of travelling for teams. Coaches from the league met in May to discuss the set up and ethos of the league. All clubs have been competative and no team has been thrashed in the league. Aim of the league was to avoid mismatches and ensure all clubs were competative.

2014/15 Season Based on the success of this years league an expansion of this is being proposed. The U17 and 18 age group is combined. Two leagues will be set up- North and South, with teams playing each other home and away. 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, Bonus point for 4 tries/losing by 7 or less and the loosing team gets a point for playing the fixture. Dependant on the amount of teams who enter, at the end of league fixtures teams will enter into a Cup, Plate, Bowl and sheild competition based on their final position- this will see the North and South Leagues combined. There will be a finals day where all finals will be played. Clubs will automatically be entered into a GRFU knckout cup competition. Teams will also be encouraged to enter the National U18 Cup which all teams are eligible for. The closing date for entries is Friday 14th March 2014- entry fee is £50.

Squads The most successful way of running ‘Colts’ squads is by combining U17s, 18s and the remaining 19s. This will boost numbers in training and allow U19s and U18s to play in senior sides if they are deemed to be of a good enough standard. This mirrors what happens at schools and colleges, and brings it in line with the England and representative age group set up. This also combines U17 and 18 coaches meaning players should get more time with coaches and eases the pressure on one individual to deliver and try to hold everything together. The most successful ‘colts’ teams have done this- Weston Hornets, Ivybridge, Chippenham, Worcester, Luctonians- all of whom regularly reach the latter stages of national competitions and have improving senior sides due to the players being retained. If possible getting first team players involved in coaching is important as it adds confidence to the players and gives them a contact in the seniors.

Ethos Although this league is competative the emphasis is on ‘Development’. Clubs who are a lot stronger than other clubs are expected to manage the players on the pitch if there is a mismatch. This requires coaches of opposing sides communicating before games in order to discuss this and ensure the teams are as evenly matched as possible. If one team or both teams are short teams are encouraged to even up the numbers so the fixture can be played. This has been a particular success this season with a couple of fixtures being played 12 vs 12 due to player shortage.

Players Each team is allowed 4 under 19s in their squad on a matchday and only 2 on the pitch at any time. These players CANNOT play if they are part of the first team squad and/or are part of the EPDG program. A team is also only allowed a maximim of 4 silver EPDG players in their match day squad. The reason U19’s are included is to aid their development as they transition across to senior rugby.

Players Each team is allowed 4 under 19s in their squad on a matchday and only 2 on the pitch at any time. These players CANNOT play if they are part of the first team squad and/or are part of the EPDG program. A team is also only allowed a maximim of 4 silver EPDG players in their match day squad. The reason U19’s are included is to aid their development as they transition across to senior rugby.