Rugby’s new structure will work, say coaches

WALES’ four regional coaches have thrown their weight behind plans for the new national under-23 competition following criticism of the structure.

Former Scarlets coach Nigel Davies offered a damning assessment of the new set-up, claiming that the new under-23 teams were not fit for purpose.

But the leading lights of the Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Dragons have all backed the concept.

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac was unequivocal in his support, saying: “It’s not a under-23s team, it’s an A team.

“From my point of view I think it’s fantastic.

I think rather than having our players going off to three semi-pro teams, they’re now all being together using the style of football that we’re playing.

“The A coaches are with us. We train together. It’s good for the preparation. They’re part of our reviews and previews, the development side of it.

“It’s a good tool also for some of your top players who are coming back from injury and can play.

“So, I see it as a positive and moving forward when the Scottish jump in next year, it will hopefully just grow.”

Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke added: “I think it’s fair to say none of us don’t recognise the place that club footy has got at amateur level. We’re all club men at heart, that’s where we started from.

“But equally, it’s six games at the beginning of the season. You have like-minded players playing the game in a like-minded way with physical development against opposition from across the pond.”

Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill said: “We just want our players to be playing rugby, particularly at that part of the year, regardless of if there’s a prize at the end of it.

“They get exposure, they get a little bit of travel, they’re in a professional environment and only good can come out of it.”

And Dragons chief Bernard Jackman added his approval, saying: “The issue with the British and Irish Cup was it was sporadic during the season so you might get players for two weeks.

“Now we get a chance as regions to develop coaches and players at the same time. It’s obviously the first year, so we’ve got to get behind it. I think it can definitely benefit the game.”

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