Cardiff Blues are delighted to have agreed a partnership that will give young rugby players access to leading facilities at the University of South Wales (USW).

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A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed by USW and Wales’ Capital Region, which will give teenagers playing with Cardiff Blues U16s North and Cardiff Blues U18s access to the new Cardiff Blues Regional Age Grade High Performance Centre.

The High Performance Centre will be based at the USW Sport Park on Treforest Estate, and will give the players involved in the programme access to the on-site facilities, which include specialist strength and conditioning and sport analysis facilities.

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USW‘s branding will also be featured on both team’s shirts, the university will be promoted on the Blues website and social media, while Blues players will make guest appearances at USW events.

Paul Rainer, who is Head of Sport Coaching at USW, said:

“This partnership forms part of the USW’s Rugby pathway, which already involves Pontypridd Schools Under-15s – who were Dewar Shield winners last year, Coleg y Cymoedd – who were Welsh Schools & Colleges U18s League Champions earlier this year – and Pontypridd RFC.

“This agreement will mean more aspiring rugby players, coaches, managers, and performance analysts, will have the chance to develop their skills and see what is available to them if they move into higher education at USW.”

Gruff Rees, Cardiff Blues Academy manager, said:

“The partnership with USW is a fantastic opportunity for us to align and share best practice within the region and really drive high performance standards at crucial stages of the player pathway.

“The facilities are clearly excellent but equally as important is complimentary usage of resources and ideas, which will really challenge some of our talented young players to fulfil their obvious potential.”