12/07/11
Rugby academy developing stars of tomorrow
Coleg Morgannwg accepted the first wave of students into its rugby academy last September, and has already achieved impressive results by helping four young men win their first caps for Wales.
Lewis Young, 18, from Aberdare, Thomas Pascoe, 18, from Mountain Ash, Jack Dando, 18, from Pen-y-Graig and Callum Lewis, 17, from Aberdare were all presented their caps by Welsh rugby legend and commentator Eddie Butler at an awards ceremony at the college.
The college joined forces with the Cardiff Blues Academy and has devised a course that will develop promising young rugby players’ skills, as well as proving them with academic and vocational qualifications.
The aim of the academy is to develop the rugby skills of the students on the course, but also to ensure that they are prepared academically should a career in rugby not materialise. On evidence of these four individuals, it is clear that some of them may have the potential to play the game professionally with the help of Coleg Morgannwg.
Clive Jones, the director of rugby at Coleg Morgannwg said: “We are thrilled for the boys who have got their caps. They really deserve it as they all have a tremendous attitude and have worked hard to get into the national setup.
“There are lots of good players who do not make it because they don’t have the right good attitude. We try to instil our own rugby philosophy but also get basic discipline into their lives to make them appreciate that every choice they make means something. Rugby doesn’t lend itself to selfishness so we aim to make the lads as well-rounded as possible.”
Callum Lewis unlike the other three players was not expected to earn a cap this year but under the tutorage of the coaches at Coleg Morgannwg and through his own determination he received a call up.
He said: “I was surprised to get my first cap but really happy too. The college has been great and without playing in the competitive college league I don’t think I would have been called up for Wales which shows how much they have helped my career. The academy is a perfect balance between work and rugby with the tutors giving us responsibility and space.
“The coaching staffs have been great and ensure that we never take anything for granted. I am now hoping to secure my spot with the Blues, earn more caps and pass my course with top marks. Any youngsters who want to learn and play rugby should definitely get down to the college.”
Gethin Watts, Cardiff Blues’ regional performance development manager, said: “We have enjoyed helping Coleg Morgannwg to deliver this course which could potentially produce some of the Cardiff Blues’ rugby stars of the future. The holistic nature of course means that even after players’ careers have come to an end they’ve got other skills and qualifications which will enable them to carry on working in sport.”
Coleg Morgannwg hope to further develop the relationship with the Cardiff Blues to continue to produce top rugby talent and ensure that the individuals have a career to look forward to whether it is in rugby or not.
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