Strange picked a 40-strong squad for the three-day camp which, along with players with previous national age group experience, also included individuals who have impressed in the Principality Premiership or at regional level.
“The camp was an opportunity for the squad to understand our style of play and the team identity we’re looking to create,” says Strange. “One of our aims as coaches was also to challenge the players in order to make sure they understand the level they need to get to in order to become better players.”
“Having them in camp for three days meant we could assess their skill levels and game awareness and make vital observations as we prepare to select the Six Nations squad.”
Team identity, he says, is achieved through collective effort and the forging of close relationships amongst the staff and squad. He continues: “We want them to be successful, but they must learn that the best way to do that is through succeeding as a team.”
Although Wales U20 have already tasted success in what has been a Grand Slam year for them, their head coach measures success in what his age group players go on to do next. “We’ve got a strong pathway in Wales and there are many examples of players that are progressing well both on the regional and international stage,” he says proudly. “We are working collaboratively with the regions towards helping the players realise their full potential, and it’s a really healthy relationship that’s of benefit to everyone.”
Strange pays tribute to the role Parc Eirias has played in his side’s recent winning performances. “North Wales has really bought into the Wales U20 team. We won some important games there last season and, perhaps more importantly, did so playing a style of rugby that was true to our identity.”
“The crowds at Parc Eirias get behind us and that makes us hard to beat,” says Strange, whose team sealed the Grand Slam at home to Italy back in March. “We’re already looking forward to a warm reception when we return in February for the Six Nations.”
Whilst they were training nearby with the national squad, Keelan Giles and Rhun Williams were often present around the U20 camp, something Strange says was a “major lift” to the rest of the players. “It was great having them with us. We’ve got players coming back to us from last season and players coming through from U18. It’s a new season with new opportunities.”
When the squad reconvenes on January 6th 2017 for the next U20 camp, it will be an opportunity to make some final preparations ahead of what promises to be another exciting campaign.
