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21 April 2018 / Club News

Bridgend Athletic RFC Youth Players Joe Grabham & Caine Woolerton Win Ospreys Development Contracts

Congratulations to Bridgend Athletic Youth players Joe Grabham & Caine Woolertion who are named among 11 players who will graduate from age-grade rugby with the Ospreys to train as part of the ‘B’ group day in, day out at Llandarcy Academy of Sport.

The extended group announced is the largest ever intake in one summer, in preparation of the new development structure that begins next season with the introduction of a new U23 competition underneath the senior team.  The teenagers have been identified as having the potential to become the latest home-grown players from the youth development pathway to become fully fledged Ospreys and will work closely with senior coaches and players when they report for pre-season training in the summer.

Gareth Walters, Development Pathway Manager, Ospreys Rugby, added:

 “One of the biggest challenges that the players now face is asserting their selves in senior rugby which is always a challenging transition.”

Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager, Ospreys Rugby, said:

“The landscape of Welsh rugby is changing and it’s an exciting time for players on the development pathway. Next season will see an entirely different format to the season for these players and it will develop year on year.

“There is now a clearly defined pathway for players, through Regional age-grade and the Premiership, graduating into the U23 team which will underpin the senior Ospreys side. This allows us to give players the best support at each stage of their development, enabling them to achieve their full potential while they test themselves against a higher level of opponent.” 

Caine Woolerton - Full Back

(18, Bridgend Athletic RFC, Brynteg Comprehensive, Pencoed College)

An exciting player with an impressive skill set.  Offers an attacking threat that operates very efficiently in the wider channels and has the ability to make space for others.

 

http://rugbysites.srcdn.co.uk/Uploads/Ospreys/In-Story%20Images/2018%20Development%20Contracts/Caine%20Woolerton%20WEB.jpg 

 

Joe Grabham - Open Side Flanker

(18, Bridgend Athletic, Bryntirion Comprehensive)

http://rugbysites.srcdn.co.uk/Uploads/Ospreys/In-Story%20Images/2018%20Development%20Contracts/Joe%20Grabham%20WEB.jpg

A busy seven with a real competitive edge to his game. His attitude reflects his game in being more than willing to do the hard work and graft.  A good all-round athlete.

Both Caine & Joe the son of Youth Head Coach Lee Grabham have been with the Athletic since U7 level. Last season while 1st year youth players they played regularly for the Athletic Youth side that topped the Ospreys A league, and then helped the Athletic Youth defeat the Champions of the other Regions leagues to be crowned Welsh League Champions as the best Youth side in Wales.

They have also been cornerstones of the Ath Youth this season, Joe as captain, who have it in their own hands to retain the Ospreys A league title. Both have been regulars in the Ospreys Academy Youth set up this season – Joe as captain on one occasion and numerous games as pack leader.

Caine a versatile back who has played every back position for the Athletic last week played twice at full back for the Athletic 1st team, helping them give Ystalyfera their first league defeat of the season and narrowly defeat another top Div 1 West Central side Bonymaen. Joe unfortunately has been side lined for two months with a foot injury.

The club wish both players well for their future rugby careers and will follow their careers with interest.

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