Welsh Exiles Index

Established in 1980, the remit of the WRU Exiles programme is to identify Welsh qualified players (aged 12 and upwards) who are based outside Wales and may have the potential to play regional or national age grade, and 'elite' senior rugby, in Wales.

In recent years many boys have been 'capped' via the Exiles route and the Exiles programme has been responsible for numerous Welsh qualified players from all over the world engaging with regional rugby in Wales.

To be eligible for the Welsh Exiles and WRU pathway every player has to satisfy Section 8 of the 'World Rugby' regulations, i.e. the player has to have been born in Wales, or one parent of the player has to be born in Wales, or one grandparent of the player has to be born in Wales.

The WRU has strong links with rugby playing independent boarding schools in Wales as well as with universities in Wales where Exiles players choose to combine their rugby development with their academic progress.

As well as having events in Wales the Exiles programme delivers one day 'camps' for young Welsh qualified players outside Wales at various locations.

Welsh qualified players based outside Wales can register with the WRU Exiles programme at www.wru.wales/exiles which leads to more information about the pathway.
If you have any queries about the Exiles programme please contact the WRU National Exiles Officer, Gareth Davies, at gdavies2@wru.wales or on 07500-225670.

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Minis to Millennium

The development of the game in Wales starts at U7 level and follows talent development through to senior representative and community rugby

Club Development

Learn more about the changing face of clubs in Wales, the funding options available, and the methods of developing the hubs of the community game

Leisure Rugby

Rugby Camps, Touch Rugby and Rugby Tots are all covered in this section covering wider aspects of the community game and development

Coaching Development

The WRU Coach Education Programme aims to develop the right coach for every player at every stage of their development in the game

Referee Development

The varying levels of refereeing courses enable prospective referees and touch judges to start or build on the skills necessary to become a bona fide, qualified match official

Club Contacts

Interested in joining a rugby club in Wales? Find contact information for all WRU Member Clubs

Safeguarding

The welfare of children within Rugby Union is paramount and the WRU are committed to ensuring the correct policies are adhered to within the game.

Volunteers

The WRU recognises how important volunteers are and wants to be as proactive as possible in supporting, recruiting and developing them as well as providing recognition for their contribution