In May 2021 the Welsh Rugby Union decided to change the rules around youth rugby to push more players into senior level.

The reason for this was the WRU was worried about the number of senior players not returning to the game once Covid restrictions were lifted.

Youth teams had been able to field players between the ages of 16 and 19, but under the new rules only those aged 18 and under could play.

While this boosted the number of senior players in the game, it made a dent in the number of youth players.

Many clubs suffered as a result. After the changes came into force, Senghenydd RFC’s Youth side was left with just five players.

Looking back, manager Richard Gater said it was a “grim and sad time for all involved”.

He said: “We knew we had a choice to recruit or quit. It was hard for the coaches, but it was the players who, we felt, were being let down.”

A solution was needed, so the club got to work boosting its social media profile and organising a ‘Player Day’ – a chance to ‘sell’ the club to interested youngsters thinking of playing.

There was a change of emphasis from winning to player development and enjoyment. On the shift in focus, Richard said: “For the future of the club we had to change the mindset from winning to enjoyment and fun.”

He continued: “During the player day, we sat them down and told them what we were trying to do here at Senghenydd.

“We had the full backing of the committee who helped throughout. We all understood that, for the future of Senghenydd RFC, this had to work.

“At the end of it, we felt like all of the new recruits had really bought into the sort of culture we were trying to create – where player development and fun is more important than winning.”

The club also looked inwards. Progressing under-16s into the youth setup not only gave an opportunity for the players, but also provided a foundation in which the club hopes to build upon.

Richard added: “Recruiting from the 16s not only brought us up to a 25-man squad within a few weeks, it also meant that when we lose a few at the end of the season, we won’t be in the same position.”

The new focus for the youth team, away from the pressure of success, has actually helped the team find a winning way.

In January this year the team was named Championship Plate League winners, with players and coaches given a surprise trophy presentation.

“The cup was brought to our training session,” Richard said. “To be honest, we didn’t even know we were getting it, which I guess made it nicer.

“It was great for us and the club. To come back from the brink like that was unbelievable.”

Reflecting on the season, Richard said the focus was now on “keeping a healthy environment in place” and that the last year had “taught us that working together is the way forward”.

Going forward, the club intends to pay closer attention to the U16s and lower age groups, as ultimately the success they have in keeping players will shape the future of the club. 

Despite the new found success, the club is still hopeful that the WRU will reverse its changes to the youth game – made under its ‘return to play strategy’ – a view that is understood to be shared by other clubs, including those which have had to fold due to a lack of players.