Regions give youngsters a sevens trial

The Ospreys, coached by Wales centre Ashey Beck and Dan Griffiths, kick-off the action against the Blues at 7.15pm.
Sevens starlet Ross Jones will captain a youthful side that includes Joel Matavesi, the younger brother of new-recruit Josh, who arrived at the Liberty Stadium this summer.

Back rower Morgan Allen will provide experience having made 41 appearances for the Swansea region – while Ospreys fans will get a first glimpse of exciting Wales U18 full-back Morgan Williams, who has signed for the region from RGC 1404 ahead of the new season. 

Youngsters Matthew Jenkins, Evan Yardley, Jordan Collier, Joe Gage, Kristian Corbisiero, Chris Williams, Steff Andrews and Rob Dudley-Jones make up the squad.

Their first round opponents and hosts, the Blues, have a captain with a rich sevens pedigree in centre Richard Smith. 
The 26-year-old, who starred for Wales in the shorter form of the game, has international trialist Dan Fish to call on for experience.

Geraint Walsh will have his first outing in a Blues shirt since his switch from Pontypridd and youngsters Jack Phillips, Seb Davies, Owen Jenkins, Tomos Williams, Dafi Davies, Ben Roach, Garyn Smith, Tom Williams and Aled Summerhill will all want to make an impact.

Kristian Phillips captains a Scarlets side coached by Sevens World Cup winner Richie Pugh. New recruit Mike Tagicakibau will get the chance to impress alongside Samurai’s Dai Treharne, who’s brother Luke will represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

Under-20 stars Aaron Warren and Sion Bennett will feature alongside Darran Harris, Rory Pitman, Chris Banfield, Lee Rees, Connor Lloyd, Josh Lewis and Kyle Evans. HSBC World Series internationals Rhys Jones and Sam Cross will spearhead Newport Gwent Dragons’ challenge.

Unattached specialist Ed Tellwright will be one to watch and Cross Keys’ Dorian Jones will get the chance to line-up alongside brother Rhys. James Thomas will mark his Dragons return by pulling on the jersey at the Arms Park showcase alongside academy products Harri Keddie and Owen Davies. James Benjamin, Oli Griffiths, Elliot Frewen, Sam Cross, Lewis Hudd and Jonny Lewis complete the squad.