As part of the development of student rugby in Wales, last season saw the re-introduction of the Wales Students National Team for the first time since 2004.
This was part of a series of developments within the student game that has also included the introduction of a Freshers League.
From last season’s team who played against England Students, three players have now signed professional contracts with Welsh regions and a further four players have gone on to represent Wales Sevens.
Centre Ross Wardle, Tom Williams and lock Josh Tyler have all played regional rugby this season after impressing for Wales Students last year.
Furthermore, Luke Treharne, Owen Jenkins and Craig Attwell have all gone on to represent Wales Sevens under Paul John.
Sam Cross is just the latest name to come through the Students system and represented Wales in the most recent leg of the IRB Sevens circuit in Las Vegas.
This year’s side will be hoping for similar progression rates following their games against Germany and England Students.
“We had trials before Christmas and have been training almost every Sunday since the New Year,” said Team Manager Adrian Evans.
“We were lucky enough to have a training session with the Wales Under 20 squad and preparation is going well.”
Cardiff Met flanker Kyle Tayler leads Wales against Germany on Saturday. He is joined in the back row by Reuben Tucker who has Premiership experience with Cardiff despite attending Swansea University.
Rhodri Davies combines with Glamorgan University’s Owen Thomas at half back with Ciaran Driscoll and Steffan Jones on the wings.
Following the clash with Germany, the side, coached by Cardiff Met’s Chris Davey take on England Students at Rodney Parade on March 17.
“We’ve got a squad of roughly 28 now and if we see some players progressing like last year it will be great,” added Evans.
“That’s a big part of what we’re trying to do in terms of giving players another chance to reach the top level.”
Wales Students vs Germany: Saturday February 23, 2013 at 2.30pm
James Cordy-Redden (University of West of England); Steffan Jones (Bristol University), Matt Smith (University of Glamorgan), Will Owen (University of Glamorgan), Ciaran Driscoll (University of West England); Owen Thomas (University of Glamorgan), Rhodri Davies (Cardiff Metropolitan University); Brynley Toms (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Greg George (Swansea University), Sean McDonnell-Roberts (Swansea University), Gus Davies (Loughborough University), Jon Barley (Swansea University), Reuben Tucker(Swansea University), Kyle Tayler (Capt, Cardiff Metropolitan University), Sam Cross (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
Replacements: Callum Lewis (Coleg Morgannwg), Jon Howard (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Ollie Edwards (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Jarad Williams (Bishop Burton College), Aled Lewis (Swansea University), Gareth Thompson (UWE – Hartpury College), Rhys Howells.(Cardiff University)
Wales Students v England Students – Rodney Parade, Newport
Sunday 17 March 1pm
Tickets adults £5, Under 16s free
Tickets available from Rodney Parade or by calling 01633 674990
