The Welsh Rugby Union has announced changes to youth rugby in Wales, shortening the age range from 16-19 to 16-18 for at least the next four years.
A season with these changes had already been played, partly due to Welsh Government's pandemic regulations which allowed an early return to play for U18s. When that original change was announced for 2020-21, the move was met with fears from many clubs over a "lost generation" of players. However, the WRU has now confirmed that the changes will be made permanent until at least 2026 in a bid to retain young players in the game.
Historically the age range for the youth game in Wales has spanned from 16 to 19 years old, meaning players aged 19 and under were eligible to play alongside and against players who may be due to turn 17 in their current school year. The WRU say their participation figures show the first year of youth rugby after U16s is when many players are lost, something they hope the change will address.
