AS PUBLIC concern grows over the future of rugby in Wales, one grassroots CIC is already delivering a forward-thinking solution — starting with children as young as two years old.
Confident Healthy Active Me CIC (CHAM), in partnership with Wales Rugby League (WRL), has developed a pioneering programme that introduces rugby league into Flying Start settings and primary schools across Wales. The aim is to build a sustainable and inclusive player development pathway from the early years through to Key Stage 2 and beyond.
Despite strong uptake from schools and clear public appetite for action, CHAM reports that ongoing efforts to secure delivery funding have been unsuccessful.
Nick Clement, Director of CHAM, said: “There’s been a lot of talk about where Welsh rugby is going wrong. We’re focused on what we can do right — by starting with children and communities.”
In partnership with WRL, CHAM is already:
- Delivering rugby-inspired stay-and-play sessions to more than 70 Flying Start settings across Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Providing free Active Assemblies to primary schools to increase levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity among children
- Designing a structured rugby league player pathway that supports physical literacy, confidence, and inclusive participation from age 2 onwards
The programme responds directly to increasing concerns around childhood inactivity, falling rugby engagement, and a lack of accessible grassroots sport opportunities in Wales.
Clement added: “We are not just delivering rugby — we are embedding movement, confidence and play into early education. Schools and families are welcoming it with open arms.”
So far, 25 primary schools in Neath Port Talbot have signed up for CHAM’s rugby league pilot, with additional interest from other counties. However, despite strong demand and a clear delivery model, CHAM has not secured any funding.
- Repeated approaches to the Welsh Rugby Union have received no response
- Sport Wales has declined support, advising that schools should fund such programmes independently
- Wales Rugby League (WRL) has provided in-kind support for programme development but does not currently hold a central delivery budget
“We’ve built the structure, engaged the schools, and demonstrated the demand. But despite this, we cannot move forward without funding. Schools are already stretched, and expecting them to carry this cost is unrealistic,” said Clement.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Welsh rugby’s long-term future following another difficult Six Nations result. CHAM believes this is a pivotal moment to invest in meaningful change.
Nick Clement concluded: “If we’re serious about the future of rugby in Wales, we have to start early, make it inclusive, and build from the community up. We’re already doing the work — but we need support to continue.”
