Runners-up Llandovery face Cardiff in Round 1, while semi-finalists Aberavon and RGC 1404 play Newport and Llanelli respectively.
Bedwas, who lifted the Plate at the inaugural event last summer, have drawn Welsh Students.
The rest of the draw sees newcomers Cardiff Met play SWALEC Championship winners Ebbw Vale, Bridgend face fellow Ospreys club Swansea and Neath play Carmarthen Quins.
Elliot Jones, of Cross Keys said, “We lost twice to Pontypridd at the end of last year, in the Cup final and the Play-Off final and they will be tough opponents here as champions. However, we want to prepare well and have a good crack at this.
“Although we are probablly better known for our driving line-out, we have some talented backs too and everything is set up for a great day out for all involved, the fans included.”
WRU National Performance Manager Gethin Watts said, “Last year’s first event was very successful, and everything is in place to grow the tournament from here.
“There are several objectives of the Foster’s Sevens. There are the obvious rugby benefits of showcasing more talent, raising awareness and the profile of sevens; but it’s also a day of celebration for the clubs, a great way to kick off the season for the teams and the fans and a chance for everyone to see the new talents associated with the clubs and a carnival of rugby for everyone to enjoy.
“Pontypridd were the flag bearers last year, they really laid down a marker for everyone else to aim for, and some of their players like Alex Webber and Adam Thomas were key Wales Sevens players during the season.
“There is no doubt the standard is going to be higher this season and a lot of clubs will put a lot of emphasis into their preparation for this event this year.
“We know that the likes of Alex Cuthbert and Justin Tipuric cut their teeth on the sevens circuit and this tournament provides an opportunity for new talent to come to the top.”
Rugby World Cup Sevens winner Lee Beach, who has joined Neath from Newport, is looking forward to the challenge.
“Sevens is a fantastic way to develop players and we have a lot of youngsters in our squad so it will be good to see how they get on. We have drawn Carmarthen Quins who have a number of experienced Sevens players in their ranks and I for one hope I won’t have to face my former world cup team mate Lee Williams on the day!
“Sevens is a great spectator sport – some of the IRB tournaments like Hong Kong and Wellington are amazing tournaments to be part of – and hopefully more and e Welsh supporters will see that and get behind this event again this year.”
Bedwas’ Matthew John added: “We won the plate last year, the boys played really well, hopefully we can continue that success. It was great winning the plate but hopefully this time we can qualify for the knock-out rounds of the main competition. Hopefully we can take advantage of the Welsh Students’ youth and lack of experience and go from there but they will be fit, that’s for sure.
“This tournament is ideal for people who want to go higher in rugby and it’s a great shop window for those who want to play more sevens in the future as well. It’s a good way to get your name out there for the season to come.”
Tickets are on sale now for the day long event at just £10 for adults, £5 for Under 16s and £20 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). To purchase tickets, go to www.wru.co.uk/fosterssevens or call 0333 321 9989 (Ticketmaster) or 02920 230130 (Ticketline).
Tickets are also available to personal callers from the WRU shop, 8 Westgate Street, from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street and from participant clubs.
