For those who are unaware, the Aviva A league is a league that runs at the same time as the premiership, in order for a club’s fringe first team players and academy players to play regular rugby week in and week out. I hadn’t paid much attention to it previously, but having done some research and actually watching a game recently, it is fantastic.
Its inception was in 2003 and it has grown ever since, and now attracts bigger crowds than ever because the standard of rugby is so high. Tickets are cheaper, so therefore if families can’t afford the first team games, or can’t make it on the weekend, they can come along and still get to watch some rugby. It is also less crowded so for those fans of personal space, like me, its heaven!
It is divided into the Northern conference and the Southern Conference. Each conference is made up of six teams. Then at the end of the season, the top southern team meets the top northern team to decide the A league title.
The key for fringe players and academy players, simply put, is to play rugby. For the fringe players it gives them an opportunity to show the coaches they have what it takes to make the squad on a Saturday, and for the academy players it is crucial for their development.
Furthermore those that have been on the bench on the Saturday and didn’t get much game time can then play on Monday to ensure they get a fair crack at the whip and don’t become disillusioned within the squad.
Academy players rarely break into the first team, so this is a great way to gain experience in a competitive league against opponents also from the Premiership. It is also used to bring players back from injury, where they can get regular game time and slowly get back into it rather than being thrown straight in at the deep end.
Yet another plus for teams is that it can be used to trial players that are without a club, and are maybe seeking a contract. It is a way for the player to play competitve rugby, and for the club to maybe have a look at them, in the possibility of offering them a contract.
Now as you can see there are many pluses from the A league, and I’m hoping in the future everyone will be as excited about it as I am. I know its not new, but I can see its growing. For rugby fans you can never watch enough rugby, and every Monday week in week out there are competitive fixtures showcasing upcoming talent and everything else clubs have to offer, I hope it continues to grow.
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