WATCH this boy - he could become one of our rugby stars. Talented 11-year-old John Mitchell, pictured, is one of the youngsters being nurtured by forward-looking Newport Rugby Club and is a member of their new development squad.

Its aim is to keep together the young players who have come up through schools rugby for the next few years.

Phil Davies, Newport's communications director, said: "We have worked very hard with the Gateway Project and invested huge resources in the under-11 age group.

"The better players go into the Newport Schools under-11s. Having spent so much time and money on that age group we wanted to carry the squad through and into an under-12s development squad for this season."

Mr Davies said it was hoped the squad would stay together until they can compete in the Dewar Shield as under-15s.

It can only be a good thing for the future of rugby in the town.

Mr Davies added: "It means a high quality input both from a coaching point of view and also from a behaviour, standards and discipline point of view, right through for kids of a formative age from 10 until 16."

John was delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the development squad and is taking seriously the advice he is being given.

This includes dietary information from fitness and nutritional advisor Trystan Bevan who also advises the senior players such as captain Simon Raiwalui.