The kids are alright... but they need to play –Williams

WALES U20s coach Gareth Williams says it’s vital the country’s brightest young talents get more game-time when rugby re-emerges.

Williams felt some of his players came into this year’s Six Nations “undercooked” after limited opportunities on the field at regional and club level.

While there were notable victories over England and France, there were also defeats to Italy, Ireland and Scotland, with a very mixed campaign ending in a heavy 52-17 loss at home to the Scots.

Looking ahead, Williams is concerned about where and when Welsh rugby’s future stars will get the chance to play when the current shut down ends.

Last season kicked off with seven rounds of regional A team fixtures in the Celtic Cup against Irish opposition, which did provide playing opportunities for the next generation.

But, amid all the uncertainty, that event has not been confirmed for next term and Williams feels there is still need for more game-time beyond that in any case, with the Premiership the best option.

“It is a big part of my job to ensure these young players get the right opportunities to learn and develop,” he said.

“Planning their playing pathway from the beginning of the season to the Six Nations is tricky and a few of them came into this season’s campaign a little bit undercooked.

“The Celtic Cup games right at the start of the season gave them some exposure to a good level of competition, but the regions are still struggling to find the best way to give their academy players appropriate match experience.

“From my perspective, I’d have liked to have seen a few more of them getting game time at Premiership level after that. I know it is sometimes difficult for the Premiership clubs to give young players the leg up they need, but they have a vital role to play in their development.

“We have to find the best way to promote the next generation of international, professional and semi-professional players to suit the needs of all interested parties.

“Our back row forwards, Jac Morgan (Aberavon), Morgan Strong (Bridgend) and Gwilym Bradley (Cardiff) all played in the Premiership this season and last.

“Other players have had senior exposure, like Aneurin Owen at the Dragons and Ioan Lloyd at Bristol, while Ellis Bevan is in the University system at Cardiff Met.

“I’d have liked to see our tight head prop Ben Warren get a few more chances, along with Teddy Williams, but I understand the high stakes the Premiership coaches are juggling with.

“We just need to find the best way to meet the needs of all parties in the vital process of developing our best talent.

“I’m a huge fan of the Premiership. It can play a huge part in player development and I want to work even more closely with the club coaches.

“It is easy for me in my role with the U20s to say I want players to have more game time.

“But it is a big part of my job to also educate the players on how they need to apply themselves technically, tactically and also socially at their clubs in a bid to demand a starting position within the Premiership environment.”

With rugby in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the World Junior Championship, which was due to take place in Italy this summer, has been postponed.

Wales were set to face Australia, New Zealand and Georgia in the group phase in June and July, but the tournament has had to fall by the wayside.

While acknowledging this is a blow for the youngsters who will miss out, Williams says it will allow them to fully immerse themselves in pre-season with their regions.

“The players have all come to terms with the disappointment and been very mature about it,” he said.

“A large number have taken up the offer of regular catch-ups over video calls regarding some work they are undertaking in their homes under isolation.

“The advantage they now have is being able to participate in a full preseason campaign at their regions.

“For a few others, it will give them extra time to get over injuries to ensure they are fit and firing for next season.

“With players of all ages and experiences set to start the campaign on a level playing field in terms of pre-season, I hope the coaches at every level will give their youngsters a fighting chance to make their mark.”