This time last year Lewis was in the ‘other camp’ preparing for the World Rugby U20 Junior Championship in South Africa. Having won 10 caps over three seasons for Wales U20 he will lead the Academies XV into the two games.
“It’s going to be an honour and a proud moment for me to lead this team. It’s a good opportunity for those players who haven’t got pro contracts to show what they can do, while for those like me who are at a region it is a chance to show our coaches what we’re really capable of,” said Lewis.
“It is going to be weird playing against some of the boys I was playing alongside in the U20 programme last year. That happens in Super Rygbi Cymru matches and we always end up having a good chat afterwards.
“But we are all here to win. From the first meeting with our head coach Gareth Williams it was made clear to us that we aren’t just here to play a couple of friendlies, we are here to really test them an try to get two wins.
“I’m lucky to have worked with the majority of our coaches before and this is a good opportunity for some of them to showcase their credentials.
“We’ve had a couple of days together and we are clicking already, so hopefully by game day we’ll all be on the same page.”
Cardiff back row man Lucas de la Rua, Dragons No 8 Owen Conquer, Cardiff Met second row Gethyn Cannon and Dragons wing Walker Price will be reuniting with Lewis after playing together last year for Wales U20 at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night (7.30pm kick-off) in the first of the two matches.
“Along with the other pro players in the group I’ve been trying to drive the standards. We’ve been chatting to the younger players who haven’t been at this level before and helping them to feel comfortable,” said Lewis.
“We’re all talented rugby players, that’s why we’re here, so we just need clarity and to be able to execute our game plan.
“I’ve been with the Carmarthen Quins this season and it has been great training alongside Rhodri Davies, who has so much experience. Being under his wing has been massive for me, as has getting meaningful minutes on the field.
“The SRC has been a huge benefit to me this season and I’m sure it will have helped to better prepare the current Wales U20 squad ahead of their Six Nations campaign.”
