00:00From community clubs to the national stage, a new era is beginning for Welsh rugby.
00:07The WIU's investment in men's player development is creating a clearer, stronger and more connected pathway for every player in Wales.
00:17Because a strong future begins with how we grow our players.
00:21For too long, our systems have been fragmented and our talent scattered.
00:27That changes now. Through the way forward, we're uniting every level of the game under one vision.
00:35To make Wales the best place in the world to become a rugby player.
00:39I feel really excited about the changes we've announced.
00:42All the investments in the fundamental infrastructure of Welsh rugby are absolutely necessary for us to succeed going forwards.
00:49And I think we have also grasped the nettle that hasn't been grasped for a very long period of time
00:54as to how to create some competitive and professional clubs in Wales.
00:59At the heart of the new structure is the National Academy, supported by regional centres and 12 player development centres across Wales.
01:08Together, they'll nurture players aged 14 to 23 with world class coaching, strength and conditioning and education.
01:17Connecting local opportunity with national ambition.
01:22I think the investments in the National Academies and the pathways are really, really significant changes for the future of Wales.
01:30They really create massive opportunity for us to once again produce top talent in big volumes.
01:38It's going to take some time, but I think they're the sort of unseen things that are really important.
01:43Going forwards, when you're starting your journey, what we really want is for you to lift your head up and look right to the top of the mountain
01:50and be able to see a Welsh team that's thriving and successful playing in front of 80,000 people here with a roof coming off.
01:59By 2030, this investment will deliver a stronger, fairer and more consistent pathway.
02:06Producing more homegrown players ready for professional and international rugby.
02:11From grassroots to the national jersey, every player will have the same chance to succeed.
02:17This is the start of a new era for Welsh rugby.
02:20Every player, coach, parent and fan has a role to play.
02:26Because the pathway is building.
02:28Now, let's walk it together.
