WRU Welsh Schools and Colleges League

With links to the WRU going as far back as the formation of the Union in 1881 and fixtures against Monmouth and Llandovery already established two years before the WRU was born, Christ College is delighted to join the WRU Welsh Schools & Colleges Rugby National Conference and host this season's launch. 

On Thursday 12 September Christ College hosted the launch of the Welsh Schools and Colleges League for the 23/24 season in our newly refurbished library. We are also delighted to be hosting the male and female Welsh U18 squads for a week's training camp in October. 

Together with Ysgol Dfffryn Aman and Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, Christ College is one of three new RPE (Rugby Programmes in Education) licensed educational establishments entering the re-vamped WRU Welsh Schools & Colleges Rugby (WSC Rugby) National Conference – the premier competition for schools and colleges in Wales. 

The inclusion of the three schools this season will take the number of licensed teams taking part in the elite tournament to 16, which this season will be split across two conferences based on an aggregate of results and points scored over the last 5 years of the National Schools and Colleges League, with all new licence holders first joining Conference B.

The WRU has awarded a total of 16 Rugby Programmes in Education (RPE) Licences to schools and colleges, with them forming part of the new look player pathway. Following an extensive consultation period across the game, the new RPE Licence scheme will replace the old A Licences and aims to drive the standards of development provided for talented male players in education aged 16 to 18.

New elements of the new RPE Licence scheme include an explicit focus on education, holistic development, and a more robust approach to staffing, and medical support, and is a prerequisite to compete in the new WSC Rugby National Conference. The RPE scheme is also designed to forge closer links between the regions, their academies and the schools and colleges. 

CONFERENCE A
Cardiff and Vale College (2022-23 Champions)
Coleg Y Cymoedd
Coleg Gwent
Colege Llandeilo
Coleg Sit Gar
Llandovery College
WHitchurch High School
Ysgol Galntaf

CONFERENCE B
Bridgend College
Christ College, Brecon *
Coleg Sir Benfro
Gower College
Neath Port Talbot College
Newport High School
Ysgol Dyffyn Aman *
Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera *
* New Teams

“The RPE Licence scheme and subsequent expanded WRU Schools & Colleges Rugby National Conference is a key part of the union’s revised Player Development Strategy", said John Alder, Head of Player Development at the WRU. "It sits in the middle of our new approach to building a world-leading rugby development system in Wales.

“Since the original A Licence Programme for the National Schools & Colleges League was put in place in 2015, it has played a vital role in the development of our top male talent. No less than 54% of the new capped players in the senior Wales team of the past seven years have come through the NS&C’s Licensed establishments.

At the WRU we recognise and fully acknowledge the role played by these committed and supportive schools and colleges to the development of future Welsh professional and international players.  

“We understand that only a small number of players will reach their goal of having professional careers and even fewer go on to play for Wales. That’s why at the heart of our mission is the desire to provide players with great experiences, and a launchpad for a life-long connection with Welsh rugby.”

“Our mission is to develop ‘more and better players for the professional game, the community game, and for Wales through life enriching experiences. This will enable Welsh rugby to thrive.”

All teams will play a total of nine games – seven regular season rounds, where everyone plays everyone either home or away, and then two post season rounds of play offs followed by a Grand Final to determine the National Conference winner, and play offs to decide promotion from Conference B and relegation from Conference A. 

ROUND 1 FIXTURES

27 SEPTEMBER

CONFERENCE A

Cardiff & Vale College v Coleg Llandrillo

Coleg Sir Gar v Whitchurch HS

Coleg Y Cymoedd v Llandovery College

Ysgol Gymraeg Glantaf v Coleg Gwent

CONFERENCE B

Newport HS v Ysgol Dyffryn Aman 

Gower College v Christ College, Brecon

Bridgend College v Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera

Coleg Sir Benfro v Neath Port Talbot College

Christ College's first match will be against Gower College on 27 September in Swansea. If you are in the area, please come along and show your support.