Ruck Stars

Rivalry on and off the pitch as the rising stars of rugby chase the dream of going pro. Follow two of the biggest teams in world rugby, the Scarlets and the Ospreys, as their under-18s academies go head to head to be crowned the best team in Wales.

Over one short, sharp season in which each team plays each other once, every game counts and there is no room for error. The stakes are high. A successful season could lead to a potentially life-changing professional contract and a call up to represent your country.

Full back Cori returns after a foot injury that could have derailed his career. After almost a year out of action, he's determined to reclaim his place in the Ospreys team and prove he deserves to be on the path to going pro.

Dafydd looks to make his mark with the Ospreys squad. A talented centre, proud of his half-Welsh, half-Samoan heritage and his faith, he gives his all in training hoping to make the team sheet for game one against Cardiff.

Macs is feeling the pressure of being one of the players already on contract. He needs to constantly be at the top of his game as he looks to light it up when the Scarlets take on North Wales side Rygbi Gogledd Cymru.

Blood, sweat and tackles - the season continues for the Scarlets and Ospreys under-18s academies.

After the blow of a first game loss for both sides, the teams have to pick themselves up to push for better results in game two. The Ospreys medical team investigate Dafydd's concussion to determine how long he'll have to wait before he'll be allowed to play again. The Scarlets coaches go hard on the players in an effort to ignite their season and get a win on the board as they head into their second game against top-of-the-table Cardiff on their home turf at Parc Y Scarlets.

We meet James, who'd love to revive the success of his rugby career after an injury, but a decision looms on whether to focus on his other passion, singing, or go all in on rugby - all while helping out on the family farm.

Scarlet Wil H catches up with his best friend Will T, who is struggling to return to the team due to a broken collarbone and has to watch on as his mate leads the line in the match against Cardiff. A big tackle leads to injury for scrum half Lucca.

The coaches have to boost morale within the Scarlets squad after their second loss of the season with only two games to go. Lucca and his dad review how he broke his nose on the pitch.
Cori reflects on the loss to Cardiff before looking to captain the Ospreys to their first victory as they take on the might of the Dragons. But an unexpected half-time incident leads to jeopardy on and off the pitch.
We meet Kian as he tries to master the skills needed to take on his new position tight head prop. Making it to the big time is part of the plan for a shiny future with girlfriend Grace. She's among Kian's biggest supporters – despite training ruining their Friday night plans.
And the Ospreys push on in the league with their first home game taking on RGC from North Wales. Returning to the squad is try-scoring talent Rhodri Lewis, who's hoping to propel the Ospreys up the league table.

After the Ospreys' impressive win against RGC, the team are in high spirits and Cori receives a slightly bonkers but special recognition from the coaches for his performance.
James ramps up his fitness training outside of the academy in the hope of finally securing a place in the Scarlets team after missing out on the squad for the two previous matches.
We meet Isaac who has dreamed of playing for Wales all his life and is now honing his talent at a boarding school famous for producing rugby legends. He's also very proud of his majestic mullet.
Ospreys' prop Kian looks to bulk up for his new position in the squad. Being a pretty useless chef, he's fortunate to be able to call on girlfriend Grace's cooking skills to help stack up the extra calories.
And the Scarlets are hoping to get a much-needed first win on the board as they take on the Dragons.

Derby day arrives as the long-time rivals face off in a dramatic clash to decide whether the Ospreys or the Scarlets are the best in the West.
It's a crucial match for both teams and all the players are feeling the pressure. Cori and Wil need to prove themselves on the pitch if they're going to achieve their dream of getting an academy rugby contract. Kian hopes to win big in his new position as tight head prop. And James realises it's finally time to choose between his two passions: sport and singing.
Months of training have led to this make-or-break match. As the fans take their seats, and the wild Welsh weather lashes the stadium, the Scarlets and Ospreys gear up for an unforgettable encounter.