RugbyRebels

We have to accept that rewards and development funding are in the English game, not in the Welsh set-up. Until we can match them and offer something more, England will always have the advantage. I'm pretty confident Kepu doesn't feel more English than Welsh, but they have the money and we don't. This needs to be addressed by World Rugby, or the poaching tributary will become a torrent.

On a moral level, poaching from small countries is entirely anathema to the ethos of Rugby Union, and England should be ashamed of themselves, but they won't be. They'll argue that English-born players often play for Wales—George North, etcetera—without accepting that the concentration of wealth in England is ALSO the root cause of that, with Welsh people having to move to England to get decent-paying jobs.

England has hundreds of players from which to choose, and the fact that they have to resort to using Welsh-born players says more about them than it does us.

The article:

One of the most highly-rated Welsh-qualified prospects has taken another step towards playing for England after being named in the England A squad to face the All Blacks XV.

Kepu Tuipulotu, the powerful 19-year-old Bath hooker, has been included in the 30-man squad. He qualifies for Wales through birth - having been born in Pontypool - and is the brother of Wales women's star Sisilia Tuipulotu, but has been progressing through the English pathway after moving to Harrow School on scholarship.

Tuipulotu was offered a place in Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for the 2024 Six Nations, but turned it down to continue his development in England. His latest call-up now pushes him closer to senior England honours.

Under current World Rugby rules, if the teenager features in a senior England fixture, he would be tied to England for three years and effectively ruled out of representing Wales in the short- and medium-term.

Tuipulotu made his Premiership breakthrough with Bath last season and has been viewed as one of the standout young forwards in the English system.

It still rankles me when IF-W chose to play for England as he was the sort of player who might have made the last 18 months a little less intolerable for Wales. But from a professional rugby player's point of view you cant say he made the wrong choice- his opportunities are greater on the other side of the bridge. It's no doubt similar for Kepu.

And of course these days a player can requalify 3 years after their last cap, so they're not committed to making a once only choice. Under current rules, a young player like Kepu can try his hand for England and if he doesn't get many opportunities, he could still play for Wales in a few years hence, at a still relatively young age too. In that time Welsh rugby might be a more attractive proposition. Or extinct, in which case there's no choice to make.

I’ve called this out before, it’s concerning. Offering young Welsh players educational and coaching opportunities which are then tied into the promotion of England youth teams. Whilst that doesn’t tie them in foreve, it does put them in a mindset of being grateful to the English and more likely to opt for the English teams when opportunities arise. New Zealand have been accused of this for years and it’s not on.

We need to do more to keep teenagers and n wales, and that must mean helping them with better education opportunities, perhaps partnering with the private schools we do have to make it attractive.

The WRU could easily set up an academy, with a strong educational foundation, to keep young players this side of the picket fence. Partner with a university to set it in motion - they're crying out for new revenue streams.

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Fri Nov 07, 2025 9:27 am The WRU could easily set up an academy, with a strong educational foundation, to keep young players this side of the picket fence. Partner with a university to set it in motion - they're crying out for new revenue streams.

Totally agree and we have some decent universities that are located pretty close to the professional teams.

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Fri Nov 07, 2025 9:27 am The WRU could easily set up an academy, with a strong educational foundation, to keep young players this side of the picket fence. Partner with a university to set it in motion - they're crying out for new revenue streams.

Totally agree and we have some decent universities that are located pretty close to the professional teams.

Swansea University even has a ready made college which could be adapted.

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Sat Nov 08, 2025 6:48 am Swansea University even has a ready made college which could be adapted.

We need to cater for u18s as well but would it be that hard to offer scholarships to the private schools we do have, or again set up a partnership with a local school?

Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sat Nov 08, 2025 11:28 am

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Sat Nov 08, 2025 6:48 am Swansea University even has a ready made college which could be adapted.

We need to cater for u18s as well but would it be that hard to offer scholarships to the private schools we do have, or again set up a partnership with a local school?

The college does cater for U18s in Swansea.