Salford forge links to create pathway for Welsh players
Salford have announced a partnership with Wales Rugby League to provide a pathway to Super League for young players.
The Wales Rugby League National Development Academy will run in partnership with the Red Devils as the only RFL accredited development academy in Wales, and look to add to the 147 Welsh players that have played for Salford since 1896.
Devils director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, said: “I am really excited about forming this partnership with the Welsh RL and Coleg Y Cymoedd in the heartlands of Wales.
“Within its history, Salford Red Devils has given some fine Welsh players a chance to show their skills at the elite level and they have made a profound impression upon our club.
“I have been fortunate to play alongside a few of them along the way and they are now friends for life.”
MUST READ: Wales: Rugby league’s forgotten expansion plan?
Wales internationals Elliot Kear, Gil Dudson and Rhys Williams are all part of the current Salford squad, which will play Leeds in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley next week.
Gareth Kear, Wales Rugby League CEO said: “This is the perfect partnership in terms of history, geographic location and most importantly our joint values of inclusion, diversity and equality.
“Together we will work to identify and develop the rich source of rugby league talent that has always existed in Wales, as well as providing outreach projects in deprived areas to make our sport accessible to all.”
More on Wales rugby league
Wigan link up with West Wales in bid to bring through more Welsh players
Expansionist Blog: Rugby League is growing more than what people think in Wales
