Next Steps
The RAG U16 programme will see all players return to school and club rugby for the start of the season
before returning back to the Ospreys on Monday the 3rd November. All players in the summer
programme will return to training initially on the 3rd.
Players not selected in initial squads will also return to their club and school sides but will be continually
monitored throughout the course of the season and if appropriate added to the squad.
The period before the first Regional Games will allow players involved through preseason to get settled
back into school life, and get some match practice before regional competition begins.
It will also allow RAG coaches to continue the monitoring and ID of players that have trained through
the preseason period, and provides players with the opportunity to impress.
Selection criteria
Selection opportunities for U16 & U18 squads:
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Observations of Ospreys Cup & School Cup matches during September, October,
November & December by Regional staff.
Throughout the season Development Officers will observe a variety of Club & School
matches
Coaches can provide Development Officers with player recommendations for potential
selection throughout season
Development Officers & Regional staff are always happy to discuss promising player
THE COACHES FROM THE REGIONAL AGE GRADE WILL GET TO WATCH EVERY TEAM THROUGHOUT THIS
PERIOD. Prior to the game being played the regional coaches will make themselves known to the
coaches of both sides. The coaches will discuss potential players to watch and following the game the
coaches will speak again to the club/school coaches and provide any feedback they may have.
Selections will be based on the following character definitions and rugby ability:
Self Awareness – aware of own strengths and work-ons, self confident, aware of their emotions
Good team person – e.g. contributes to team cohesion, adheres to positive team values, assist others
Self disciplined – e.g. does not need to be constantly told what to do/self managing, is on time, good at
adhering to dress calls, recovery protocols, and picks up after himself
Motivated – intrinsically motivated and aspires to be an Osprey and does what is required to be the best
he can be
Mental toughness – fights back from adversity or setbacks, has a never give up attitude (e.g. being
dropped, injured), understands and applies mental skills/ resilience
Coachable – open to coaches’ and peer feedback and takes constructive criticism on board and seeks to
constantly improve
Rugby ability:
Ball Handling – ability to catch and pass
Tackling – ability to tackle
Competitiveness – on-field desire to win and never give up
Explosiveness – power and speed, ability to tackle hard and break line
Position specific skills – ability to fulfill position specific requirements e.g. scrum, lineout, goal-kick etc.
Work rate – consistency of effort throughout game