The Elite Player Development Group (EPDG) includes players selected on the basis of their performances to become members of the regional academy in due course. Typically these players will have played divisional or international rugby at Under 16 and will also have demonstrated a commitment beyond the average to become professional players. These players will attend training sessions most weeks and Day Camps during holiday periods. They will receive feedback on their performances on a regular basis.
The players within the EPDG will normally be boys aged 15-18 who have previously been involved in the Harlequins SOR / JEPDG programmes. This does not mean however that the door is closed to players who are currently outside of those structures. It may be that some players / athletes develop slightly later than others and it is important that there is a route into the Harlequins structure. If there are individuals that are brought to our attention, we will then make enquiries about that players potential ability. If after following up on the player we feel they may be of the right standard, then they will be contacted directly by Harlequins and may be invited in for a trial at one of our EPDG sessions. After one or two trial sessions a decision will then be made regarding their full time inclusion in to the EPDG.
NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY NOMINATIONS FOR PLAYERS TO TRIAL WITH THE EPDG SHOULD ONLY BE FOR PLAYERS OF 'ELITE' STANDARD. THE EPDG IS ONLY FOR PLAYERS WHO WE FEEL HAVE A REALISTIC CHANCE OF BECOMING PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS WITH HARLEQUINS
