Wales exploring plans to restore Under-23s team

WALES are exploring plans to resurrect the former A team or introduce a new Under-23s national side as part of a major rethink of their player development pathway.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

Wales head coach Steve Tandy

The move would aim to bridge the gap between academy rugby and the full international stage.

The Wales A team was officially brought back as the Welsh Rugby Union's designated second team in 2016 to attract more dual-qualified players for the U20s side.

But a decade on they haven't played a single game, with the last Wales A fixture taking place in 2003.

There is a school of thought that resurrecting an A side or forming a Wales U23s side would enhance player development.

"I think it will definitely help and it's something that I think, we are looking into, because I think that does accelerate development," said head coach Steve Tandy.