CB Representative Programme
The Women and Girls Action Plan, which launched in 2017, has a commitment to delivering “a clear and easily understood player pathway”. Within the RFU the Player Development Sub-Committee (PDSC) has the responsibility for CB representative programmes, how they interact with the professional rugby department through the Centres of Excellence and developing an appropriate delivery model to support this action.
In March and April 2018, a series of roadshows to explain and discuss where and how players access the pathway and the proposed delivery model took place across the country. The feedback has largely been positive with a number of suggestions to support the delivery, and some further guidance requested. In reviewing the roadshows, PDSC have decided that there are to be no significant changes to the proposal. The information below sets out the principles for the delivery model and provides clarity on support provided.
CB Representative Programme Moved from September to February/March providing a longer dedicated training and playing window enhancing the social and team bonds that are so important in retaining players. This also supports coaches, managers and teachers in identifying and nominating players suitable for further pathway activity by leaving selection until January of each season. Provide progression from club & school and CB Rugby into Centres of Excellence and support the most talented players to feed into England age grade programmes and Tyrells Premiership competition. Centres of Excellence and Talent Development Group players, in most cases, will be encouraged to play in the CB programme. Incorporation of 7s into the pathway through XRugby7s and 7s to help showcase talent and develop skill sets delivered alongside the 15 a side game. Introduction of the Half Game rule for every player in line with Age Grade recommendations Alleviated travel and extended travel times by placing CBs into one of eight groups listed below.
Each CB to establish one x U15 and one x U18 squad drawing players from school, college and club rugby (they may also wish to identify talented athletes from other sports).
The delivery model for two of the three dates is a festival based format and each player will play in the 15 a side game and play in either 7s or XRugby7siv. There are two reasons for the introduction of 7s into the pathway;
1. The Women and Girls action plan, under Player Pathway, includes 7s 2. The game of 7s also increases involvement in the game for every player, allowing them to showcase their skills and highlight their potential in moving forward in the pathway.
Management
The success of the programme will need good communication between all partners and a small working group, meeting twice per year, will be established to support the programme in each of the 8 CB groups. The group will comprise of a Performance Pathway Officer (Women)v, a Player Pathway Officer, a Centre of Excellence representative and a representative from each of the CBs in the group.
The programme continues to be financed through PFR funding received for the delivery of all Age Grade Programmes.
Date: 09/05/18