This week sees a second gathering of young rugby players from England’s eighteen Regional Academies and Centres of Excellence, but this time with girls’ squads joining in. Malvern College Worcestershire is again the venue.
It represents an early opportunity for these Under 17 and 18 players to make their mark at representative level. The numbers taking part are large: selectors have picked squads of 25-30.
One crucial feature will be the introduction of the new ‘low-level’ tackle height law. This amendment has brought plenty of controversy in its wake, critics pointing out potential unwanted consequences.
Don Barrell, the RFU’s man in charge, expects to see the players relishing the speed and open spaces this change will bring.
But equally, the law-makers will be watching events even more intently. They must be sure that those criticisms do not stand up to the light of day. Any move to make the game safer must be welcomed with open arms; the problem is unintended consequences.
Barrell and his team will also be looking at the logistical problems the new set-up has brought. The larger influx of players – around 1,200 – will test the organising capacities of everyone concerned.
