Development Officers Blog

Despite the severe weather the wheels of rugby development have continued to turn in Swansea with some success. Last week saw the District sides from Swansea battle their counterparts from Afan Nedd.

Braving the cold air and a frozen pitch the warm winter sun managed to defrost the pitches in just enough time to let the games go ahead. The first game saw Afan Nedd development squad beaten by their Swansea counterparts 4 tries to 1. Despite standout performances from individuals in the Swansea team the collective efforts from Afan Nedd were too strong. The next game saw the U12s battling again but a full district level with the best players from each squad taking on each other. This game saw a reverse of the first with Swansea proving too strong running out winners 5 tries to 1.

The final game of the day was fiercely contested between the U14s of each district. This game was much closer but home advantage proved too much as Swansea won 3 tries to 1. Thanks must go to the match officials and club members from Bonymaen who provided a great venue to host these games.

Last week also saw the Ozzie the Ospreys Programme in Swansea Leisure centres reach a climax for the first time. Leisure Centre Staff, Ospreys Community Coaches and Participants were joined by Ospreys Stars Mike Collins and Ian Evans in Penlan, Jonathan Spratt and Ben Lewis in Morriston and Leigh Bevan and Steve Tandy in Penyrheol. The sessions lasted for 10 weeks with children aged 5 - 7 yr olds being coached the basic skills needed for Rugby via the medium of TAG. The centres have all signed up for a follow up course which start after half term with the addition of Pentrehafod who have now joined the scheme. For more information please contact the individual sites below.

Pentrehafod Community Sports Hall, Mondays, 4.30-5.30pm beginning 23^rd February (01792 650484)

Penlan Leisure Centre, Mondays 4.30-5.30pm beginning 23^rd February (01792 588079)

Morriston Leisure Centre, Tuesdays, 5-6pm beginning 24^th February (01792 797082)

Penyrheol Leisure Centre, Thursdays 5-6pm beginning 26^th February (01792 897039)

Looking forward I hope to get out and about to all the comprehensive schools to repeat the individual skills sessions that I have just completed with scrum half and hookers over the past month.

Don't forget to keep visiting this page for updates from the rest of the Ospreys Community Rugby Department. Come on Wales!!!