Eyasses enjoy a Millward masterclass

Young props on the Ospreys development pathway have enjoyed a training masterclass from an Ospreys ‘original’.

 

Andrew Millward, WRU Performance Manager for the Ospreys region, hosted the first of what will be a series of special sessions for the Eyasses over the coming weeks, working with props from the Ospreys Under 16s and Under 18s squads at Llandarcy. 

As a veteran of 94 appearances for the region prior to hanging up his boots to take up a key role within the Ospreys development programme, it was an invaluable experience for the youngsters hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Millward got stuck in with the teenagers, providing specialist advice and passing on tips and from his years in the front row with a practical exhibition, in order to improve the young players skills in the scrum. 

Future specialist training sessions will be held in the coming weeks with Tom Habberfield working with the scrum halves, Mefin Davies the hookers and Ospreys Under 18s Head Coach, Shaun Connor – fourth in the region’s all time points list - conducting a kicking master class. 

Speaking about his session with the young props, and the forthcoming masterclasses covering other key positions, Millward said:: 

“These classes really work on the positional specific skills rather than the team stuff. A lot of what we do is focussed on teamwork, so it’s important that we get down to the nitty-gritty with these boys on the areas that matter to their own individual development.

“Personally, I really enjoy working with young players one-to-one as they are like sponges, absorbing information and eager to learn. Particularly in the front row, it can be a real eye-opener for some of the boys but I’d like to think that they all took away some things from the session, which will help them to become better props. 

“Our development pathway has excelled in developing front row forwards for the region and for the national set-up. Working with young players in this way will enable us to maintain what is a proud track record. 

“Looking forward to the masterclasses with Tom, Mefin and Shaun, they are invaluable to our young lads and it’s massively important for them to have the opportunity to learn from people with such experience. Development from within is at the heart of everything we do, in the hope that one day the Eyasses will become fully fledged Ospreys.”

Pictured is Andrew Millward working with young props at the region.