The Dragons Under 20s can land a first ever elite title for the region tomorrow night if they can overcome the Ospreys in the final round of the WRU Regional Under 20 Championship at Rodney Parade, kick-off 7.15pm.
The Dragons, coached by Wayne Jones and Shaun Connor, will hope to build on their recent wins over the Blues and the Scarlets to clinch the crown in front of Wales under 20 head coach Phil Davies.
WRU Dragons performance development manager Will Thomas said, “Our victories over the Blues and the Scarlets were pleasing in that, although they were tight, the boys held on to grind out a win, which shows an improved confidence and mental attitude compared to previous years. I would put that down to the coaches Wayne Jones, who is a full time professional coach with the Dragons academy, and Shaun Connor, a professional player, who have brought that mental edge to the side.
“It is all the more pleasing given that five forwards and four backs from tomorrow’s starting line-up are still in the under 19 age group and so have another year of Under 20 rugby to come.
“Jason Tovey and Ieuan Coombs are two players with professional Dragons experience which shows at this level, while James Thomas at no 8 is certainly one to watch, as are two exiles in tomorrow’s side, Luke Plummer from Bristol who, at 6’ 4” and 17st 7lb is impressive, and 18 year old replacement scrum half Charlie Davies who has played for Nottingham this season in the English first division.
“The Ospreys are sure to bring a strong side to Rodney Parade, Ciaran Ruddock has had exposure with both Neath and Ebbw Vale this season and they ran the Blues close in their recent game.
“We would love to see a good crowd at Rodney Parade to help the side become the first age grade or professional Dragons side to win a title.”
TICKETING NEWS - Tickets can be purchased on the gates at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening for just £2 per person.
In the other game, the Blues take on the Scarlets with the game having been switched from Glamorgan Wanderers to Abercynon.
Blues: R Healey; R Locke, L Fear, D Gunter, J Xiberras; J Deacon, G Lucas; T Price, R Williams, K Parry, K Evans, D Partridge, J Thomas, J Navidi, B Morgan. Replacements: B Lee, A Pugsley, M Rees, S Studley, T Rowlands, J Murphy, S Matthews
Ospreys: M Edwards; L Powell, C Lewis, P Davies, R Randall; M Jarvis, N Jones; R Powell, D Ronan, J Rees, C Ruddock, J King, R Ruddock, O Sedgebeer, D Leonard
Dragons: D Langdon; M Pewtner, A Hughes, L Plummer, I Coombs; J Tovey, J Leadbetter; A Coundley, C Atwell, S Maguire, L Bray, A Sweet (capt), M Allen, R Kjenkins, J Thomas. Replacements: D Watchurst, C Filier, S Pailor, T Falatua, C Davies, T Driver, D Jones
Scarlets: D Newton; J Davies, S Soul, S Williams, N Davies; D Etteridge, G Davies; O Evans, L Lewis, S Gardiner, J Davey, S Jones, J Davies, E Lloyd, J Boatez. Replacements: A Howells, G Flynn, L Kendall, H Boat, R Fletcher, J Harries, T James
