Nine Represent the Region in Wales U18 Squad
Nine young Dragons have been named in Wales Under 18 squad to play their only home international of the season on Sunday - against Scotland at Ebbw Vale (kick-off 1.00pm).
Assistant Dragons coach and former Wales U19, U20 and U21 coach Dai Rees comments on the significance of such representation for the region:
“It is a great honour for the region and a reflection on the time and hard work the players put in to developing all aspects of their individual and team performance.
“The players must all be congratulated on their achievements while also acknowledging both the expertise and support given by the regional age grade coaches, the academy system and their parents.
“The region would like to wish the players every success in the forthcoming internationals.”
Simon King's men are looking to get a win under their belts before travelling to Cork for the Under 18 Six Nations festival over Easter where they will play France, Italy and hosts Ireland. His team lost 25-15 to England at Worcester two weeks ago. King said:
"Playing England at Worcester was a big challenge and we came off second best in the end but the nature of our performance at least means we can look forward to playing Scotland with confidence.
"Tom Crandon, Ben John and Gareth Davies come into the side for this game, while Kristian Phillips moves out to the wing from centre.
"It's also good to see Stewart Maguire on the bench after a long-term injury, while the big north Walian second row Joel Galley has received the all clear to play in the Six Nations festival.
"Unfortunately, Tristan Davies and Rhys Ruddock have been ruled out of the Six Nations tournament through injury.
"It will be good to play in front of a home crowd before travelling to Ireland. The tournament is a vital development tool, where players get a taste of a 'professional' environment, training every day and playing three matches in eight days.
"Last year's tournament in Glasgow was very successful, not only in terms of results but in preparing a number of players to step up to the Under 20 set-up and for playing regular Premiership and Regional rugby."
Pontypridd and Blues hooker Rhys Williams skippers the side.
Wales Under 18 v Scotland, Sunday 16 March, 1pm, Ebbw Vale RFC
James Loxton (Blues); Kristian Phillips (Ospreys), Ben John (Ospreys), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Ieuan Coombes (Dragons); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Dan Watchurst (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Capt) (Blues), Simon Gardner (Scarlets), Tom Crandon (Dragons), James King (Scarlets), Dave Francis (Dragons/Exiles), Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), James Thomas (Dragons)
Replacements:
Rhys Downes (Blues), Adam Hughes (Dragons), Stewart Maguire (Dragons), Ceri Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Jenkins (Ospreys), Lloyd Peers (Ospreys), Morgan Allen (Dragons)
