Commenting on why the boys are travelling to the US Academy Manager John Williams said, “The boys are travelling to the USA for three months as part of their rugby and social development. It will also broaden their horizons and develop their life skills. The will play in the Super 16 League which will see them travelling throughout the States.
” It is pleasing to report that a number of Academy players are currently playing Premiership rugby which will see them come through the semi professional ranks.
“It is a really big positive that the Academy members are playing in the Premiership even though they are still eligible for youth rugby,” said John. “This means they are better prepared for a career as a professional rugby player and can therefore make the step up earlier. In two years time most of the current Academy members will be pushing for a full time contract. Paul Bunce as fitness and conditioning coach has done a superb job and taken them up to and even past where some of their senior counterparts are. So we are catching up with the demands of the professional game. Ryan Campbell (Dragons fitness coach) has been working with Paul and Gareth Walton (who is in charge of the pre-Academy group) and all fitness plans are fully integrated meaning we are pushing from the top to the bottom to ensure we are better prepared. We are the only Region who are currently doing this and all fitness test results are recorded on a database so we can effect what is coming through the system. ”
Academy Member Updates
Gareth Maule (centre)– played for Ebbw Vale on the week of his 18th birthday. His good performances have led to a call up into the Wales U19 national squad, was on the bench for Wales U19s game against Scotland U19s.
Lewis Evans (No.8) – playing extremely well for Ebbw Vale and has been an integral part of their recent good performances. Is in the Wales U19 squad and started against England and Scotland in the opening two games.
James Lewis (centre) – played for Ebbw Vale the week of his 18th birthday. Also started against England and Scotland in Wales’ U19 matches.
Jamie Corsi (prop)– A tight head prop who has played one game for Ebbw Vale and three for Pontypool. Also started against England in Wales’ U19 match at the Stoop Memorial Ground and against Scotland at Aberavon.
Adam Brown (lock) – playing in the Premier League for Pontypool and putting in some impressive performances. Also in the Wales U19s squad for the current Six Nations campaign
Richard Wilkes (hooker) – the 19-year-old Bedwas born hooker has put in some impressive performances for Pontypool and travelled to Munster with The Dragons senior squad as a travelling reserve. Will shortly be flying to the USA to develop his rugby and life skills.
Ashley Smith (centre)– has played five games for Newport and came on as a second half replacement for The Dragons in their Powergen Cup match against Worcester. Still only 18 years old and started in the centre for Wales’ U19 matches against England and Scotland.
Rob Lewis (scrum half)– also started against both England and Scotland for Wales U19s, played for Newport just two days after his 18th birthday.
Ben Flower (hooker)– made his debut for Bedwas and did very well against Newport, also faces a double challenge as he is making the transition from flanker to hooker.
Nicky Downs (prop) – a key member of the Bedwas team, despite being only 19. Currently suffering from a knee injury but is hoping to be fit to make the U21 World Cup. Combining his rugby with a part time carpentry course.
Alex Walker (scrum half) – has recovered well from a broken collarbone suffered in a Premiership match for Newport. Is a member of the Wales U21 Six Nations squad.
Marcus Johnstone (wing)– a regular member of the Cross Keys first team. Will shortly be flying to the USA to develop his rugby and life skills.
Will Jones (No.8)– a student at Loughborough University and plays for the University side. When he is home plays for the Newport club side. Was on the replacements bench for Wales’ U21 matches against England and Scotland.
James Harries – currently out with a long-term injury but is hoping to make the U19 World Cup in Dubai.
Jimmy Norris (wing) – Is a member of the Wales U19 squad a year early and was on the replacements bench for the opening game against England.
David Langdon (fly half) – the baby of the Academy. A member of the national U18s squad and a fly half with huge potential
