Carmarthen Quins launched a new initiative this rugby season by forming a rugby academy. They invited all the local clubs to send their best Under 15’s,16’s and 17’s to train each week under the supervision of experienced coaches and senior players.

The aim was to provide the practical skills and fitness training, underpinned by the education of the players in conditioning methods and nutritional advice. This would include weight training, speed and stamina programmes and the correct ways to eat healthily to sustain the demands of rugby training.

Weekly sessions are held at different venues that have included Parc – y Scarlets weight training facility, Carmarthen Running Track and the Quins training ground at Abergwili.

Players have attended from Newcastle Emlyn, Kidwelly, Whitland and Carmarthen Quins. All the local clubs have been invited to send players.

All players were physiologically tested and prior to the commencement of the programme. Weight, height and body fat were measured and each players leg strength and upper body power were recorded. Speed and acceleration was accurately recorded using highly accurate infra red timing systems. All data collected was analysed by sports scientists at the Human Performance Laboratory at Trinity University College, Carmarthen.

The retests in November have shown considerable and significant progress for all players, with strength and conditioning results showing improvements ranging between 10 and 35%

More clubs and coaches are being encouraged to put forward their better players to provide them with the opportunity to develop into players that will be the foundation for quality rugby in Carmarthenshire for the foreseeable future