NLD U16’s Nomination, Trial and Selection Process
NLD RFU U16 Squad Nomination, Trial and Selection Process 2018-19
NLD RFU has in place a programme of ‘player identification’ using appointed NLD coaches as well as the ‘Player Development Group’ (PDG). This supported through close liaison with schools and clubs within NLD to ensure that any players deemed to be performing in line with positional expectations at CB level are monitored accordingly.
To be eligible for NLD selection a boy must meet at least one of the following four criteria:
- Born within the RFU Constituent Body (‘CB’) of NLD
- Be a registered player of an NLD ‘CB’ club
- Reside within the NLD ‘CB’ area
- Attend a school within the NLD ‘CB’ area
The NLD under 16s squad for the 2018/2019 season (i.e. last seasons under 15s and the new seasons under 16s) will be made up of boys who are eligible from the Leicester Tigers PDG and those who trial successfully. It is therefore important to manage the expectations of players that you nominate, ensuring that they are aware that the process is highly competitive and will require each player to produce their very best at trial and beyond, should they be successful. Please note that boys within the PDG are not selected automatically and players will be selected on current ability and potential.
The first trials will be held on Monday 29th October and Monday 5th November for all players that are not currently involved in the PDG group, due to large numbers last year we are doing the trials in two groups this year’s so players have a greater opportunity. All players who attend this trial must be nominated in advance by their club or school coach and there is a limit of 2 player nominations from any one club or school, preferably one forward and one back. We cannot consider any player for trial that has not been nominated by their club/school coach. All successful players will then be invited to attend the final trial alongside the players from PDG on Monday 3rd December, following which a playing squad will be selected.
The trials will be held at Newark RFC, the venue for the training sessions & matches will be confirmed shortly.
How to nominate:
Use the following link to complete the nomination document: https://goo.gl/forms/04Ex7HTp3D3Diy132
Please ensure the document is filled out in full.
Closing date for nominations is Monday 22nd October.
The season will include the following training sessions and fixtures:
Monday 29th October Trials – Venue TBC – First group of Club players
Monday 5th November Trials – Venue TBC – Second group of Club players
Monday 3rd December Trials – Venue TBC – Shortlisted Club players plus PDG
Monday 10th December Training
Monday 17th December Training
Saturday 29th December Training
Sunday 6th January Match (Super Sunday – TBC)
Monday 14th January Training
Sunday 20th January Match Staffs – Home
Monday 28th January Training
Sunday 3rd February Match Eastern Counties – Home
Monday 11th February Training
Sunday 24th February Match Leics – Away
The selection process and structures season has been extremely successful in recent seasons with an excellent series of match results and, more importantly, a number of NLD boys going on to represent Midlands and England.
All clubs and schools within the NLD region are thanked for their continued support.
If you would like to discuss any of your nominations or have any queries regarding the programme please contact:
NLD U16 Manager – Adrian Taylor [email protected]