I played for harlequins foundation academy last year and it really gives you an insight into the professional lifestyle whilst also preparing you physically and mentally for an higher level of rugby.

It may be a good experience for the lads involved in it, but even at under-16 you can't say who is going to make it or not and there is the possibility that it cuts down the pool of players with potential available. i.e. they may believe that they are never going to make it unless they get in these foundation squads, which simply isn't the case with some young players

yes but there are service area teams at 12's, 13's, 14's, 15's. at under 16's the players are doing gcse's and then straight after that get signed up properly by the clubs. there isn't really any need for the extra rugby

Wigan I believe have just signed a young player from a club "very close" to Wigan.

His cub only offered him a "foundation" place, Wigan have offered him a full scholarship.

I believe that the chairman of the "other club" is not best pleased.

then thats bad organisation imo.
the clubs need to be liaising with the education depts to ensure there are no clash of interests.
most kids who want to succeed are studying for gcse's at u12, u13, u14, and u 15, so all it needs is a short break during and leading up to exams and then u16s can go ahead.

the ECB do it.
I have kids playing cricket at county level and NO matches are arranged during SATS weeks, or EXAM weeks.
If the ECB can be bothered doing it, im sure the RFL are capable of doing it.