Under 18’s to Stay

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed its revised age banding for youth rugby (U17s – U18s) will stay following extensive consultation and review over the last 12-months.

The consultation process which included representation from 195 rugby clubs across Wales and key stakeholders of the game including players, coaches, match officials, team managers and off-field volunteers was married with best practice benchmarks from fellow Tier 1 Rugby Unions.

Key findings from the review indicate the move to the two-year (U17s to U18s banding from the previous 3-year (U17 to U19s) age banding has had a significant positive impact on retention of players and also created stronger transition figures for those moving into the adult game.

• 91% of U17 & U18s players stated they are having a positive experience when they have transitioned into U18 Youth Rugby
• U18s age banding has increased the number of U16s transitioning into Youth Rugby due to more opportunities for them to play
• Registration data shows there are currently 23% more U16s, 22% more U17s and 30% more U18s playing this season in comparison to 2019 (pre-U18 age banding)

Geraint John, WRU Executive Director of Community says, “I’m delighted the Community Game Board made the decision to retain U18 as the official age banding for boys’ youth rugby in Wales which was ratified by the WRU Board last month.

“We are incredibly encouraged by the positive impact the revised U18s age banding has had across our community game as it shows that this structure is creating the right environment for young people to thrive.

“The positive effect it’s created has seen a significant impact on individual self-confidence as it offers a smoother transition through the age ranges and keeps young people playing for longer.”

Why is the U17- U18 age banding being maintained?

1. Stronger Player Development and Retention:
Since the introduction of U18 Youth banding in the 2020/21 season, Wales has seen a significant increase in U18 player retention. Active player registrations have grown by 23% at U16, 22% at U17, and 31% at U18 levels compared to 2019 (the last season of U19 three-year age banding). This decision has provided players with consistent, competitive and meaningful experiences and a smoother transition into adult men’s rugby.

2. Enhanced Club Sustainability:
More than 70% of U18 players are now progressing into adult men’s teams, with many appearing on 1st XV WRU Digital Team Sheets. Clubs across Wales have been able to grow their adult sides, including new 2nd XVs and Athletic Teams, 13 of which have been added to the 2024/25 National Leagues with more Athletic teams entering the 2025/26 National Leagues.

3. Safety and Welfare:
The U18 age banding aligns with international child protection standards and injury prevention research, ensuring young players develop in a physically and mentally appropriate environment before entering adult environments and competitions

4. Aligns with WRU’s ‘One Wales’ Strategy:
This age banding supports long-term goals of player engagement, club viability, and the creation of a sustainable, thriving rugby community. It ensures structured player transitions, improved retention and fosters a pipeline of talent that strengthens both club and national rugby.

5. Key Considerations & Global Comparisons:
This age banding aligns to United Nations Convention on the ‘Rights of the Child’ (UNCRC) definition of children as everyone under 18 and Section 3 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 that says that a child is a person who is aged under 18. It aligns to Education age banding and aligns to the banding of the Tier 1, 6 Nations Rugby Unions and New Zealand, Australia and South African Tier 1 Rugby Unions.

“It’s also encouraging that over 1,000 U19 players have registered for senior rugby in each of the last two seasons which is a comparative increase of 400+ more players than in 2019. This is a positive indication that young players are staying engaged with the game after 18,”
adds John.

“We now look forward to building on this progress and continuing to support the development and enjoyment of everyone involved in the game, ensuring there is a clear pathway and playing opportunities into senior rugby.”

What This Means for the Future?

• The WRU will continue to focus on providing meaningful playing opportunities and competitive experiences for our U18 players.
• Our WRU Coaching Development focuses will align to enable enhanced support and education on player transition and retention from U16 through U18 and into adult rugby.
• The WRU will continue to invest in resources, content, education, and support to help clubs maintain the evidential positive momentum achieved to date and in order to drive long-term success.