Abingdon RFC

A clear pathway has been established to allow 17 and 18 year old players, currently in the Colts squad, to play in Senior teams, without detriment to the Colts matches and preparation. Colts head coach, Warren Cartmell was able to share this news with his squad, at their training session last night.

It has been obvious for some time, that several players in the Colts squad have been keen to develop their game by playing Senior Rugby, and have been more than capable of doing so. However, a way of achieving this, without compromising the strength of the Colts squad has not, until now, been clear.

A meeting attended by Warren himself, director of Rugby Jennie Piper, M & J Chair Paul Berrill, Senior head coach Ger Coyne, Senior Co-manager Ant Yates, and Club President Neil Crossley, was able to formulate a plan for player progression.

Firstly, young players must feel ready themselves, and want to progress into Senior Rugby.

17 year old players will be assessed by coaches, in accordance with RFU regulation 15.6. They will be able to play Senior Rugby, outside the front row,  if this assessment is successful. Their parent's consent will be required. In addition, the approval of Tom Warrilow, Club safeguarding officer, will need to be in place for this step to be taken.

18 year old players can already play Senior Rugby without official restriction. However, playing and training with the Colts must take precedence for them.

All players making the step up will be expected to train with the Seniors on Thursday prior to their game, and attend at least one Colts training session in that week. Members of the Colts squad will not be selected for Senior teams on the Saturday before their game on Sunday. They will also not be selected for Senior sides prior to their match preparation session.

Their progress in Senior Rugby will be monitored by the Club Director of Rugby, and Senior coaches and management.

Hopefully this will generate more playing time for young players. We all know playing is more fun than training. So in turn this may generate more interest in the Colts squad.