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In order for players to succeed at the Elite level in Wales they will, normally and usually, work their way through the player progression pyramid as part of their development. The WRU recognize representative rugby at the age of 11 years and become elitist around the age of 15/16 years. Players can work their way into this player development pyramid at any age level dependent upon ability and attitude. Elite rugby players are constantly measured by performance and attitude in an increasingly competitive environment that will await them as they progress through the ranks.
Under 8 to Under 11 Years: Simplified school and club games will form the basis of early player development. DDOs (District Developent Officers) should monitor these competitions and advise the school districts of the better players. Once identified, these players play in the DC Thomas Under 11 District competition on designated school weekends.
Under 12 to Under 15 Years: DDOs continue to monitor players in their school and club games. The DDOs in conjunction with their local junior District Association organise the identification, management and coaching of the 12 junior District Association teams at U16, U15, U14, U13 and U12.
Under 16 Years: At the end of the Under 15 District season, a regional course and trial will be held to identify the regional Under 16 squad. This squad will compete in an Under 16 inter-regional tournament in order to identify an initial WSRU 16 squad and potential academy Under 17 players. The U16 players will also play in an inter-regional competition throughout the year (8 games).
Under 17 Years: Under 17 players will play in the inter regional Under 18 competition, once a month, and the very best of these individuals will be on regional academy programmes. The better players will be available to the Wales U18 squad.
Under 18 Players: At the end of the Under 17 season a regional course and trial will be held to identify the regional Under 18 squad. This squad will compete in an Under 18 inter-regional tournament throughout the Autumn in order to identify the Wales U18 squad who play in a Six Nations tournament and potential academy Under 19 players. The Under 18 regional team will also play six games throughout the Autumn.
Under 19 Players: The better Under 19 players will play in the inter-regional Under 20 competition in the Autumn. The Wales U20 Management Team will select its initial squad during November. The Wales U20 Squad players should be playing in the Premier Division or at least training with a Premier Division squad.
Under 20 Years: The Under 21 players will play in the WRU Premier Division or higher. The U20 players will play in an inter-regional U20 competition (6 games). The Wales U20 Management team will select its initial training squad in November and thereafter play in a Six Nations tournament and the IRB Age Grade World Championships.
Example Pyramids showing entry points by region including local authority districts:
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