Player pathway & development framework announced
England Rugby has set out its player pathway and development framework for male and female players in England.
The framework is designed to ensure a focus on the individual, as part of one or many teams, and outlines what is needed in order for them to maximise their time in the game, whether at the top level or as a continuing participant at other levels.
The pathway’s three principal aspects are:
- Explore: Fostering a love for the game with a breadth of exposure.
- Adapt: Developing tactical understanding as players compete against stronger opposition.
- Win: The aim at the end of the pathway.
Regardless of position, all players will learn to execute the game’s three principles: attack, defence and contest, while also developing their positional skills.
A developmental programme caters for players’ specific needs. All decisions are made in their best interests and for their long-term development, with competition inclusive, varied and potentially with a multi-position exposure.
The physical development principles will prepare players for any sport and a lifetime of physical activity.
RFU Head of Performance Pathways and Programmes Don Barrell said: “We created this framework because we wanted a clearly-articulated vision of what England Rugby thought was important for developing players.
“Very often you will get part of that journey articulated but it’s about the whole pathway and how that’s joined up. There is no silver bullet in development, every journey is unique so what you need when you are developing players is an understanding of the modern framework and some guiding principles around it.
“We are very conscious as well that the pathway needs to be a value-adding experience that keeps players in the game and develops their love for it as that will benefit rugby overall.”
RFU Director of Performance Rugby Conor O’Shea added: “There’s no exact science in sport, but it’s useful for people to have a reference point in terms of what we are looking for on and off the pitch in terms of skills and attributes for players at different ages. Because rugby is such a late maturation sport there might be players who aren’t identified at the start but they’ll be able to reference this and they’ll come through at a later time.
“Whether a player achieves a senior England cap or plays for their local club, we hope they embrace the journey and all it will bring.”
For further information download the England Rugby Development Framework.
