More than 75 junior sides will kick off the WRL junior season on Sunday 17 May, as youth rugby league returns for its 18th year in Wales.
Across the summer, around 2,000 children will take part in the community game – highlighting the continued growth of rugby league at grassroots level and the important role it plays in getting young people active and involved in sport.
There will be competitive boys’ leagues from U12s up to U16s, all building towards Grand Finals later in the season. Younger age groups from U8s to U11s will take part in non-competitive, all-gender fixtures, with the focus on enjoyment, learning the game and giving as many children as possible the chance to play.
Eight rounds are planned for U8–U14, with six rounds for U15 and U16. Details of girls’ and senior men’s competitions will be announced soon.
While these leagues have helped produce Super League players and Welsh internationals such as Finlay Yates, Lloyd White, Ben Flower and Regan Grace, the wider focus is on giving young people a positive first experience of rugby league and keeping them involved in the sport.
The Wales U16s side – who have won the Four Nations title for the last three seasons – and the Wales U19s squad both draw heavily from these competitions. But just as important is the role the game plays at community level, helping young people build confidence, make friends and stay active through sport.
Tournament organiser Rob Deeney is looking forward to another busy summer.
“It’s brilliant to see so many teams and players back for the new season,” he said.
“These competitions are really important for the game in Wales. They give children the chance to play regularly, enjoy themselves and be part of their clubs.
“Yes, we’ve seen players go on to represent Wales and play at the highest level, but for most, it’s about enjoying rugby league and being involved week in, week out.
“Best of luck to everyone taking part this season.”
Opening weekend’s fixtures – Weekend of Sunday 17 May
U8
Swansea Rams v Aber Valley Wolves
Swansea Rams v Torfaen Tigers
Aber Valley Wolves v Torfaen Tigers
(all at Swansea Rams)
U9
Aber Valley Wolves v South Wales Jets
Rhondda Outlaws v South Wales Saints
Torfaen Tigers v Bridgend Blue Bulls
West Wales Jets v Swansea Rams
Bye: Aberavon Fighting Irish
U10
Aber Valley Wolves v South Wales Jets
Rhondda Outlaws v Cardiff Blue Dragons
Torfaen Tigers v Bridgend Blue Bulls
West Wales Jets v Swansea Rams
Bye: Aberavon Fighting Irish
U11
Aber Valley Wolves v South Wales Jets
South Wales Saints v Cardiff Blue Dragons
Torfaen Tigers v Bridgend Blue Bulls
West Wales Jets v Vale Vultures
Rhondda Outlaws v Aberavon Fighting Irish
U12
Aber Valley Wolves v South Wales Jets Green
Bridgend Blue Bulls v Swansea Rams
Cardiff Blue Dragons v Aberavon Fighting Irish
Rhondda Outlaws v Swansea Silverbacks
South Wales Jets Pink v Cynon Valley Cavaliers
West Wales Jets v Torfaen Tigers
U13
Rhondda Outlaws v Bridgend Blue Bulls
South Wales Jets Green v South Wales Saints
South Wales Jets Pink v Cardiff Blue Dragons
Swansea Rams v Aberavon Fighting Irish Green
Torfaen Tigers v Aberavon Fighting Irish White
U14
All Golds v South Wales Jets Pink
South Wales Jets Green v Cardiff Blue Dragons
Swansea Rams v Aber Valley Wolves
Torfaen Tigers v Swansea Valley Dragons
West Wales Jets v Bridgend Blue Bulls
U15
Cynon Valley Cavaliers v Aberavon Fighting Irish
Swansea Rams v Swansea Valley Dragons
U16
All Golds v Rhondda Outlaws
South Wales Jets v Cardiff Blue Dragons
Torfaen Tigers v Bridgend Blue Bulls
West Wales Jets v Aber Valley Wolves
