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.

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LEEDS UNITED, aiming for a return to the Premier League, signed striker Joel Piroe from Swansea City last August for an undisclosed fee, potentially rising to over £10m, dependent on their promotion success. The deal included a significant £2m add-on should Leeds secure their spot in the top flight, highlighting the club’s confidence in Piroe’s ability to influence their campaign.

As Leeds prepares for a crucial Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City this Sunday, the team’s recent performances suggest they are well-positioned for a critical battle. Norwich, under manager Daniel Farke, has experienced a downturn in form, losing four of their final six regular-season games, which saw them finish third, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion.

Piroe, a Dutch forward who notably netted 46 goals over two seasons with Swansea, has since added 13 goals in 46 appearances for Leeds, 32 of which were starts. His goal-scoring prowess will be pivotal as Leeds seek to overcome Norwich in the upcoming clash.

The outcome of the semi-final could set up a dramatic encounter with either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion in the Championship play-off final scheduled for Sunday, 26 May. Leeds fans are hopeful that the team, bolstered by Piroe’s contributions, will navigate through these decisive matches to regain their Premier League status. As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Piroe and his teammates to deliver performances that could define their season and possibly secure a lucrative promotion reward for the club.

FREYA TERRY, a 21-year-old yachting instructor from Pembrokeshire, is embarking on a solo sailing adventure around Great Britain and Ireland, covering an impressive 2,300 nautical miles. If successful, she will become the youngest and first female sailor to achieve this feat. However, Terry insists that her voyage is far more than just a record-setting challenge; it is a profound journey intertwined with her personal battle with mental health.

Having started sailing at the tender age of 11, the same period her mental health challenges began, Terry has found solace and identity on the water, away from her struggles with isolation and trust during her formative years. “Sailing has given me a personality outside of my mental health struggles,” Terry believes. This journey represents not just a physical challenge but also a culmination of a decade-long battle with her mental health.

Throughout her adolescence, Terry experienced significant difficulties during her transition to secondary school, which were compounded by issues in forming friendships. “It was lots of little things, and then I struggled with the transition into secondary school as well as making friendships,” she recounted. The challenges escalated to more severe problems, leading her to isolate herself and retreat from conversations with family and health professionals.

Now, as she prepares her boat at Neyland Marina, Terry reflects on the darker times, including nights she ran away from home, self-harmed, and struggled in silence. Her turning point came with the support from the Amethyst Project in Cardigan, Ceredigion, which helped her realize she was not alone in her struggles. “It showed me that I wasn’t on my own in this and that it kind of was a real thing, that other people were struggling with as well and that it wasn’t my fault that this was happening, which was huge for me,” she explained.

The support has not only helped her but also stunned those close to her, including her mother, Julie Campbell. The 60-year-old expressed both pride and apprehension about her daughter’s daring venture. “I mean, I do have confidence in her as a sailor, but as a mum, I am just terrified,” Campbell admitted. Despite the fears, she acknowledged the growth and unexpected confidence in her daughter, who was once overwhelmed by day-to-day survival.

For Terry, the challenge ahead is daunting not just because of the physical demands of the journey, but also because it involves opening up about her mental health struggles—a topic she finds particularly tough to discuss. “The bit I’m most scared of or most nervous about is talking to people and talking about mental health because it’s really difficult and I think that’s okay to say but I’m doing it anyway,” she courageously stated.

As Terry sets sail, her story is not just about setting records but also about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, showing that personal challenges can transform into powerful narratives of hope and resilience.