Worcester Warriors Academy boss Andrew Stanley has praised the dual registration scheme introduced this season which is allowing the next generation of stars to already get meaningful rugby under their belt.
Initially brought in last year on a trial basis, the RFU have formalised the dual registration scheme this season in an attempt to make it easier for English-qualified players to play rugby that will be of benefit to their development.
The new process has made the movement of players between a Guinness Premiership club and National League club a lot easier and under the dual registration scheme England Academy players – those identified as potential stars of the future – do not fall under the same restrictions as a simple loan deal.
Clubs in the National Leagues are currently only permitted to play three loan players in their matchday squads, whereas there is no restriction on the number of dual registered players.
Warriors have already allowed clubs to dig into their pool of talent and ensure the exciting prospects at Sixways can now go out and enjoy some competitive rugby.
Miles Benjamin, Matt Mullan and Alex Grove have both been in action for Pertemps Bees while Jordan Page and Greg King have played for Stourbridge. Craig Everett, Gareth Morgan and Greg Evans have all tasted action for London Welsh.
“It is a massive advantage to have dual registration and we are delighted with the benefits that it has brought in this season,” said Warriors Academy boss Stan.
“We can put boys out into our local clubs when possible so that they can experience competitive and a good standard of rugby. It is a wonderful opportunity for their development.
“Alex Grove was involved with Pertemps Bees when they played away to Cornish Pirates in the league and that would have been a very good experience for him. Gareth Morgan and Greg Evans started for London Welsh when they played against Northampton Saints at the start of the season. Greg has become a permanent fixture in the team at Welsh.”
The introduction of dual registration has also removed the red tape that previously hit clubs. A player on loan can only move on three occasions during a season up to the end of February and must be registered by 3 o’clock on a Thursday to be eligible to play on a Saturday. But these rules do not apply to dual registered players.
“The major positive with dual registration is that it allows player movement and removes the red tape issues that have hurt clubs in the past,” added Stan.
“The problem with registering players on a Thursday is that you are powerless if you are hit with injuries late in the week, this new scheme brought in this season takes away that problem.
“We have already benefited from it as a club with Miles Benjamin and Matt Mullan able to travel with the first team last Saturday to Gloucester to cover injuries without any issues over registration.”