The Welsh Rugby Union have admitted they have not done enough to support the age-grade programme in recent times and spelled out what is being done to rectify that.
In recent months, fears have been raised that the country has not produced enough talent to take over the mantle from a golden generation of players at senior level that are approaching the final knockings of their Test careers. Compounding worries is the fact that the under-20s side have not enjoyed any notable success since a talented crop stormed the Six Nations in 2016.
Among a myriad of issues currently facing the game in Wales, the development pathway, which produces the talent to keep the professional game alive, is perhaps one of the most pressing. The pandemic has impacted on young, talented rugby players significantly as games were held on ice while the elite game slowly restarted. There were fears that the growth of some had been stunted, exacerbating problems.
