Camelot Colts
The Colts section at Camelot RFC is aimed at boys in the Lower and Upper Sixth school years who are under 18 on the 31st August. The level of coaching and matches reflects the fact that the boys are moving from Juniors to Seniors and are able to play at and are used to higher standards in their training and matches.
Camelot deliver this through our professional coach lead Brett Taylor ex Northampton Saints and USA, together with an experienced coaching team who have worked with the boys for many years.
The Colts play in the National Cup (previous winners and semi-finalists in 2022) and the local Surrey competitions. This mix ensures that we have a level of rugby to suit all standards within the squad.
Throughout the season there are opportunities to train with the Senior teams’ mid-week and as the season draws to a close the U18 boys have the option to integrate into U23 matches and senior 7s teams to help with that step from colts rugby to senior rugby.
Once the boys finish school and move on to employment or university the club has opportunities to play, coach or work to maintain that connection between the players and the club for years to come.
As an age group we very much welcome enquiries from potential players who would like to give Camelot a try. Please feel free to reach out to us via the contacts above .
Colts Junior Development Pathway
Age Group: Colts U17/18s
LTAD Stage: Train to Complete
Train/ Match: 50:50
Window of Optimal Trainability (Focus of athletic training)
Develop Fitness, specialisation of Rugby Skills & Tactics.
Develop Multi-functional role under match conditions
Overall Coaching Approach
Improvise / Problem solving in match conditions.
Most (not all) Player positions will be set / Specialisation.
CREATE GAME PRESSURE IN TRAINING.
17/18 year olds may have opportunities to train and compete with adults (under strict RFU conditions/regulations)
Player Capacities
(Consolidate and develop previous age skills)
Develop Individual / Team skills under match conditions
Evasion
- Avoid contact / swerve / HAND OFF (Full) / Change of pace / Sidestep
Handling skills
- Decision making – Creating & Preserving space.
Contact Skills
- Tackling skills / Unit tackle (2nd & 3rd player support attack & defence) / reacting to what is in front of you.
- Ball carrier making best decision before and in contact.
Maul
- Full Maul.
- Ball carrier – Strong base & protect ball / Support Players – Body position/drive, secure and deliver ball.
- Defenders – hold up ball & player / drive.
Ruck
- Ball carrier – Ball presentation
- Support players – Protect ball carrier & secure ball.
- Tackler – release, regain feet & contest.
- Create Ruck to maintain continuity (Increase Speed of ruck). Phase play.
Scrum
- Attack & Defence strategy. Channel 1,2,3.
Lineout
- Full Lineout/ Specialist thrower / Decoy work / tactics of lineout
- Game strategy from Lineout.
Backline attack – Multiple phases in match conditions.
- Penetration – Positioning, Alignment & identification of space / Angle of run & timing of pass
- Players be aware of formal role in a pattern / Decoys.
Backline defence (Prevent penetration through defensive line / attempt to regain possession.
- Penetration – Positioning, Alignment & identification of space / Angle of run & timing of pass
- Players be aware of formal role in a pattern / Decoys.
Backline defence (Prevent penetration through defensive line / attempt to regain possession.
- Alignment / move forward / React to threat / TACKLE / Support
Kicking & Catching.
- Attack, Defence & KO strategies.
Laws / Ethics
- Understand the Laws / Personal responsibility for behaviours and actions
The GAME
- Problem solving (in-Game) / Tactical options to achieve game plan
- Awareness of opposition strength/weaknesses and ability adjust game plan
Principles (Team play)
- ADD PRESSURE to principle of play / choose best options.
- Multi-sprint endurance / Speed / Power / Agility / (Personal conditioning)
- Position specific conditioning
- Strength (Window – 12months after growth spurt slows) – Weight training (taught / supervised)
- Personal preparation & warm-up, Controlled breathing & relaxation
- CONCENTRATION
- Independent thinking / Ambition / Life balance (Coping with pressure & SETBACKS)
- Awareness of leadership demands and responsibilities.
- Role model for younger players
Law Variations- Under 17/18’s
Players per side: 15
Max pitch size: 100 x 70
Minutes per half: 35
Max game time per day: 80
Additional variations: 80
Coaching tips: Increase pressure on all skills, to reflect match conditions. / Game management / Decision making by individual players / REMEMBER TO KEEP IT FUN and treat as young adults, as players will start to be tempted away from Rugby.
