Players who are part of the Dewar Shield programme have taken part in the first of a series of skills masterclasses at Parc y Scarlets.
Wales international Kieran Hardy and Scarlets fly-half Charlie Titcombe were on hand to pass on tips and experience to the boys, along with Scarlets Academy transition coach Phil John and senior analyst Ieuan Probert.
The Scarlets’ five EPP (Emerging Player Pathway) Dewar Shield U16s squads from Llanelli, Carmarthen, Mynydd Mawr & Dinefwr, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are three weeks into the national Dewar Shield competition. All squads have built on the foundations that were laid in the successful two-day camp held at Trinity College, Carmarthen and are currently participating in a skills-focused training session each week along with an additional specific strength and conditioning session.
Scarlets Academy skills coach Paul Fisher said: “The Scarlets feel that it is essential to support the position specific needs of the players to aid and accelerate their rugby development. With this in mind we are hosting four position-specific masterclasses before Christmas where all Dewar Shield players from across our region at U16 age grade can access elite coaching environments delivered by senior Scarlets coaches and players.
“Our aim is that the players take away good learning and practices from the sessions and repeat the skills in their own club and school environments. This week was the first session where we saw all the props, hookers, scrum-halves and kickers attend. The session focused on scrum profiling for the props, throwing mechanics for the hookers, passing technique for the scrum-halves and kicking process for the kickers.
“In addition to this, we also invited all EPP coaches to attend as a CPD opportunity. Our next two masterclass sessions will be accessible for all teachers, Youth and senior club coaches.
“Having spoken to a number of players after the session, it was obvious that having the opportunity of being coached by an international player and senior coaches is an experience and learning environment that they will remember for the rest of their rugby career. We look forward to the next session in October.”