By Duncan Wood
July 24 2002

Duncan Hayward, Richard Hunt and Richard Skuse have all signed 2 year senior deals according to a club press release. They become the latest graduates from the Academy in a ringing endorsement of the Academy setup.

The news that three more of the Academy's finest are 'graduating' to senior level is to be welcomed. It is recognition of the work put in by Paul Hull and his team.

Duncan Hayward, Richard Hunt (pictured below with Paul Hull) and Richard Skuse join Chris Morgan and Rhys Oakley in gaining senior contracts for next season. Hayward is actually still eligible for the U21s and will combine Academy duty with involvement with the first team squad.

The club are taking a new approach to the development of their young players by loaning out Hunt and Skuse to Pontypool and Caerphilly respectively. Peter Thorburn spoke about this possibility recently and he's been true to his word.

I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that, in the past few seasons, young players have been released by the club because they couldn't bridge the gap between junior and senior rugby and the lack of United rugby counted against them.

The loan arrangement will benfit all parties. The young players will get some valuable first team experience but still remain contracted to Bristol. The players themselves will get a taste of first team rugby. It won't be quite at Premiership level but it will provide valuable experience. The likes of Pontypool and Caerphilly get promising young players into their squad.

If you need any more convincing look at Alex Brown. Whilst at Bath, he went on loan to Pontypool and made his name there. Bristol were quick off the mark to recognise his achievements and snapped him up when Bath didn't appear to be taking much interest.

Talking to the offical club website, www.bristolrugby.co.uk, :

Richard Skuse: “I’ve grown up with a lot of the players and it is great to continue my development at the Club. The step up to the first team is massive as the game is so intense. It’ll be a big challenge but one that I’m really looking forward to.”

Richard Hunt: “I’ve already been part of three sessions at Pontypool where we train in the evenings and then I team up with the Bristol Shoguns players throughout the week.”

Duncan Hayward: “I’m delighted with the contract. I’ve been training with the senior players for some time and learned so much last year from Jason Little.”

Peter Thorburn reaffirmed his commitment to the Academy setup and feels that Paul Hull's new role, combining Academy and senior duties, will help more young players to make the grade. He also thanked Caerphilly and Pontypool for their participation in the loan scheme.

“As well as training with their new clubs in the evenings the two players will also continue to be part of the Shoguns set-up and our daily training sessions. We’re very grateful to both Caerphilly and Pontypool for giving them the opportunity.”

Good news all round and congratulations to the players involved.