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WRU strengthens exile programme to combat talent drain

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THE WRU is intensifying efforts to preserve Welsh talent and prevent young players from being lured to England, amid a growing concern over the loss of dual-qualified athletes. This strategic shift includes the expansion of the exile programme and the establishment of a robust scouting network within England.

Recent high-profile defections have underscored the urgency of this initiative. Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Haverfordwest’s Kane James are among the notable young talents who have crossed the Severn Bridge, opting to pursue their careers in England, with Feyi-Waboso making his senior debut for England in this year’s Six Nations.

Richard Whiffin, Wales Under-20s coach, emphasised the critical need to address this trend during the Six Nations, stating, “We have to start challenging some of the issues, especially around dual-qualified players. These are the battles we need to get hold of because it’s turning into a race to the bottom.”

To counteract this, the WRU is investing in the exiles programme, aiming to improve scholarship offers with Welsh educational institutions and create a network of scouts specifically targeted at identifying Welsh talent in English schools. Huw Bevan, WRU Performance Director, highlighted the importance of engaging these players not just in the rugby system but in fostering a sense of Welsh identity. “We have to look at identifying talent already in other countries, but particularly England. We need to engage them in the system but also in the feeling of being Welsh, not just Welsh-qualified,” Bevan explained.

The WRU’s plans include collaboration with 20 coaches within the English education system, who are of Welsh descent and keen to participate in scouting potential players. This initiative is crucial to persuade young talents to stay and develop their rugby careers within Wales, rather than accepting scholarships at English schools.

Gruff Rees, Cardiff’s academy manager, noted the historical disconnection that contributed to the exodus, citing a decade of inadequate support for regional age-grade programmes by the union. The situation has been exacerbated by recent budget cuts across Welsh regions, forcing a shift towards developing homegrown talent.

The emphasis on improving the quality and appeal of both rugby and educational programmes within Wales is seen as key to retaining young players. Josh Hathaway, a promising full-back from Aberystwyth who now plays for Gloucester and has represented England Under-20s, exemplifies the type of talent Wales is striving to keep.

The WRU’s approach also seeks to promote the benefits of Welsh education systems, as highlighted by Bevan’s mention of an upturn in interest at Coleg y Cwmoedd following the success of its graduates Cam Winnett and Mackenzie Martin, both recent Wales caps.

In response to the funding challenges and the need for a sustainable talent pipeline, Welsh regions are focused on nurturing and utilising local talent more effectively. The efforts to ensure talented players consider educational opportunities in Wales as seriously as those across the border are intensifying, as the WRU aims to build a future where Welsh rugby talent thrives within its national borders.

Image: BBC News Hub

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Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club

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A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

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Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.

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Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.

Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.

On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.

Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.

Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.

The inquest continues.

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