Rugby Australia have announced fully-funded women’s youth development XVs matches will kick-off this weekend as they look to build pathway opportunities.
The Under-18s matches will work alongside Buildcorp Super W, with teams from Queensland, NSW and the ACT entering this year’s competition.
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RA have confirmed they will look to expand to all states with a Super W side in the coming years as they look to increase elite participation.
“Rugby Australia is incredibly proud to be able to launch these matches, which will provide yet more opportunities for young women to play the game at a higher level," Rugby Australia General Manager Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said in a statement.
“The youth age group in particular is an emerging area of the women’s XVs game and has seen strong growth in recent years.
“Our investment into this area is crucial, as it will help develop players from a younger age. We see this as a key building block in the high performance XVs pathway through to Buildcorp Super W and the Buildcorp Wallaroos.”
It will commence this Sunday with the ACT and Southern NSW U18 to face the NSW U18 at Viking Park ahead of the Brumbies' round five Super W clash against the Western Force.
This will be followed by NSW facing Queensland at Eric Tweedale on April 9, with Queensland and ACT/SNSW completing the fixtures on April 23.
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“A fully funded competition is the natural progression for the Women’s XV program," Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning added.
“We have seen some fantastic young athletes emerge through the Buildcorp Super W competition and these matches will give our younger players another layer of development and support in their journey.
“Having this additional tier to the pathway will improve both the quality of Rugby throughout our states and the competitiveness of the Buildcorp Wallaroos.”
Fixtures
ACT & SNSW U18s v Waratahs U18s, Sunday 3 April, Viking Park, Canberra. Kick-off: 12:00pm
Waratahs U18s v Queensland U18s, Saturday 9 April, Eric Tweedale, Parramatta. Kick-off: 12:45pm
Queensland U18s v ACT & U18s, Saturday 23 April, TBC
