Pembrokeshire College and Llanelli Scarlets have launched an exciting new collaboration that will provide talented young rugby players in Pembrokeshire with a great opportunity to maximise their rugby development.
Speaking at the recent launch at the college, Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins said: "Making the college's rugby academy a Scarlets satellite academy will help to identify the 16-year-olds we can turn into rugby athletes by the time they are 20."
The satellite concept will mean that young players will get all the help and support they need to play at the highest level, giving them a clear pathway to play for the Scarlets academy and ultimately the full Scarlets team.
Gareth Jenkins added: "The college's rugby academy model provides high quality pathways to both sporting and academic excellence."
All academy members are also full-time students following a college course of their choice. This means that in tandem with their rugby development they will also gain the qualifications necessary, be it A Levels or vocational, for entry to university or a good career.
In rugby terms, the college academy has three weekly training sessions, regular fixtures against schools, colleges and other Scarlets satellite teams - as well as input from, and access to, the Scarlets academy training and matches.
College principal Glyn Jones commented: "The college and its rugby-playing students are fortunate to have this link-up with the Scarlets. It recognises the quality of the systems we already have in place and means that our rugby academy will grow stronger. We now have a support and development programme in place for young rugby players that compares with the best in the country at this level."
If you are interested in finding out more about the sports academies, please contact admissions on 0800 716 236.