The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced that it will make background checks compulsory for everyone working with children within the game.

As part of its child protection strategy launched two years ago, the association will – from 1 January 2009 – require everyone with direct access or responsibility for children to complete a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosure.

People working with children will also have to complete the online child protection course, developed specifically for the WRU website.

WRU chief executive, Roger Lewis said, "Rugby is a sport that brings our communities together and defines us as a Welsh nation.

"As such, there is a need to protect, nurture and safeguard our children and young people and while we recognise the importance of volunteers to community rugby in Wales, it is also essential for clubs to realise that they could be held responsible if any child were to be put in danger in any way."