Head coach Greg Woods has gone for Nathan Williams as skipper for Sunday’s inaugural tournament with the Gwent side facing Bridgend in the third game of the day at 11.00am.
Keys missed out on a play-off place last season as an inconsistent run-in saw them just fall short of a top three finish.
And ahead of the new season, Keys will be looking to use the club sevens as a key pre-season warm up following previous games against Merthyr, Blackwood and Coventry.
A clash with the Ravens first up looks like an entertaining encounter and with both sides knowing a defeat will see them exit the cup competition, there will be all to play for.
“We’ve got a young squad but we’re looking forward to the tournament,” said Woods.
On his side’s first round opponents, he added: “Bridgend play a lot of rugby in the 15 a side game so I’m not expecting anything different in sevens.
“It’s going to be a challenge but in sevens tournaments it’s vital to win your first game and take it from there. That’s what gives you a bit of momentum to carry forward and you can take it from there.
“We’ve got some dangerous players but Jonny Lewis is a real threat and has got a good step on him. I’m expecting him to light up the tournament.”
Cross Keys squad for Foster’s National Sevens: Nathan Williams (c), Henry Palmer, Tom Lampard, Reuben Tucker, Jonny Lewis, Elliott Jones, Ciarran Driscoll, Darren Hughes, Dorian Jones, Ryan James, Aled James, Phil Williams.
Tickets are on sale now at just £10 for adults, £5 for Under 16s and £20 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). Go to wru.co.uk/nationalsevens to purchase tickets or call 0844 8471881 (Ticketmaster) or 02920 230130 (Ticketline). Personal callers can also purchase tickets from the WRU shop, 8 Westgate Street or from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street.
