With just 2 months of the 2022/23 season remaining, the Welsh Rugby Union has moved the goalposts for hundreds of girls who enjoy playing mixed rugby for community clubs. They were expecting to be able to continue playing club rugby up to Under 13 level, but have now been told that they must stop at Under 11.

It is vital that girls have a clearly defined pathway into the women's game. With the rushed release of this change, there has been no opportunity for a sensible, managed transition involving players, families, clubs and female rugby hubs.

It is vital that the changes are deferred to the 2024/25 season. This will allow an orderly transfer from clubs to hubs, and keep girls playing the game. Without this, many will walk away from the sport entirely, which defeats the entire object. Furthermore, clubs with a sizeable number of girls in their U11 and U12 teams will have adequate time to recruit new players. Otherwise many will fold altogether.