In addition to the benefits shown on the pitch since the Academy system began its player development at the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, off the pitch, the Academy system has been ensuring that players receive educational development to get skilled and qualified. Fitting work and education around rugby has been made easy due to the way in which the holistic academy system is organised around the individual's needs.

- Only three of 119 academy players are not in full-time education or employment.

- 37 academy members are studying for degree options.

- There is clear evidence that elite young players are choosing Welsh Universities for their higher education in order to continue with their rugby development programme here in Wales.

- It is expected that if players are able to pursue their rugby career in Wales, there is more chance that they will put their skills and qualifications back into the Welsh economy during, and after, their rugby career.

Jamie Roberts: (Cardiff RFC and Blues Academy 2006-2007)
Currently in his second year of Medical Studies at Cardiff School of Medicine. The 20-year-old has not had to choose between his two aspirations of playing professional rugby and qualifying as a medical doctor because of the academy system.

"After this academic year, I am hoping to continue my medical studies on a flexible programme, working with the Blues, the Academy staff and my tutors at the School of Medicine to integrate my degree and professional development with my rugby development," he said.

"I would not want to have to choose between the two but because of the academy staff working hard to ensure I can continue with both, I haven't had to make that choice."

Sam Kiley: (Swansea RFC, Ospreys U20, Wales U20 2006-2007)
The 19 year old flanker began employment with Ponty Butchers of Pontardawe as part of an apprenticeship in butchery durig his year with the academy.

His employer, Clinton Robert, fully accepts the level of commitment Sam will have to show to his rugby development but Sam believes the two will fit quite nicely.

"My employer has agreed for me to work around training times but that's not difficult to organise," he said. "We can do our weight training in the morning and running in the evening. I'm playing my regular rugby for Swansea at the moment which is a semi-professional side so squad training is in the evenings.

"I'm really looking forward to having a full-time job. You have to have some kind of normality outside of the game to help you take your mind off rugby sometimes."

Daniel George: (Llanelli and Llanelli Scarlets)
The hooker has been able to continue studying Criminology at Swansea University.

George said, "I stayed in Swansea for my degree as it means I can still continue with my rugby development and play for Llanelli. I only have eight hours of lectures a week so I can easily commute and fit my training in."

Ben Flower: (Bedwas RFC, Wales U20 and Dragons Academy 2006-2007)
Ben Flower currently in the first of a three year FCA qualification in bricklaying at Ystrad Mynach college.

Flower, a Wales U20 hooker said, "Things are going well with academy training, playing for Bedwas and Wales U20. But I also enjoy the course; it's three and a half days a week and it means that whatever happens, I'll have a trade to fall back on."

Danny Lydiate: (Ebbw Vale RFC)
Danny Lydiate is the son of a mid-Wales farmer who has one year left on farming qualifications at Brecon College.

Commenting on the academy system's approach to his education and vocational training Lydiate said: "You never know where your rugby career is going to take you but you always know it's going to end at some point so why not prepare for that at the start of your career?"

Vikki Gaylard: (National Women's Academy 2006-2007)
Vikki Gaylard, a member of the National Women's Academy has found full-time employment through the gym instructor's course set up by Women's Academy Coordinator Sophie Bennett.

She works at the Park Inn Hotel, Cardiff and found the job straight after completing her Sports Studies degree at the University of Newport.