Welcome to the U16 squad pages.

Our aim is to allow players of all abilities to maximise their potential both on and off the field while developing a love and passion for the game of rugby.

Objectives

• First and foremost, to create an environment which follows the RFU's core values:
  1. Teamwork
  2. Respect
  3. Enjoyment
  4. Discipline
  5. Sportsmanship
• To ensure everyone gets equal opportunity to play in matches 
• To create an environment where players of all abilities can develop their individual and team rugby and social skills 
• To assist in the development of players to represent at higher representational levels  
• To create a training environment which attracts all players to attend every session possible
• To provide a safe environment where the players can explore their physical and mental development in the ethos of rugby

Team selection

There is no A or B squad selection process due to the changing developmental needs of the players at this age. We select a starting team and make replacements during matches to provide a competitive match for both our opponents and squad whilst balancing the players needs to enjoy themselves. How do we achieve this? There are normally 4 categories of player. Players will, as they develop, change categories during the course of a season and onwards. It's the coach's responsibility to help every player to a stage of competent/confident status on a consistent basis.

• Competent / confident - those players who can do all the basics right and are confident
• Competent / unconfident - those players who can do the basics in drills but lack some confidence to consistently perform these in a game
• Developing / confident - those players with all the enthusiasm but needing to develop their basic skills, throwing themselves around the park without worrying about their personal safety!
• Developing / unconfident - those players who are learning the skills and confidence to play and enjoy the game

Is this a successful strategy?

Yes! We have a group of talented and enthusiastic players backed by enthusiastic parents and a large squad of coaches. We are not focused on 'Win at all costs' and see success in losing matches providing the team played to the best of their abilities.

Feedback to the players is provided using the ELM framework - Effort (always encourage and reward effort), Learning (outline learning points rather than criticising mistakes) and Mistakes (develop a strategy the team and individuals use while developing the skills; they are going to have to make a lot of mistakes to learn the skills in the end, this encourages exploration and creativity.)