Both the U16 and U18 sides will travel south for games against the Dragons at Newbridge and Pandy Park respectively. The U16 side kick-off at midday with the U18 starting an hour later at the home of reigning SWALEC Cup holders Cross Keys.
This summer’s pre-season build up saw the U18 take on COBRA youth, Sale Sharks Academy and Bedford U19 with all three fixtures providing the team with a worthwhile test. Meanwhile the U16 played fixtures against the Scarlets, Leeds and the RGC U17 development squad with team manager Bryden Lloyd looking forward to their first game.
“It’s been a while coming and we’ve had a lot of preparation. We just can’t wait to get started now,” he said.
“We’re expecting a hard game and we’re not under any illusions so it will be a tough challenge against the Dragons. We didn’t have a lot of time to get our defence right in pre-season but we’ve done that now and we’re raring to go. We want to get the boys developed for the future and get better for next season.”
Both RGC teams will make the long trip from north Wales tomorrow morning with the journey as long as five hours for some members of the squad.
“We’re making a weekend of it and watching the seniors tomorrow at Ynysybwl and then staying over tomorrow night. Some of the boys will have been on the bus for five hours so I’m sure they’ll be climbing the walls by the time we arrive,” Lloyd added.
“Realistically a good season for us would be to get a few good wins on the board and look at the development of the players.”
Marc Roberts, WRU performance programme manager for North Wales, added: “Both squads of coaches and management are pleased with the summer preparations and I know that the players are looking forward to the testing games over the next five months.
“The regional Age-Grade competition is always a high standard competition and is exactly what is needed to continue the development of our players.”
RGC U18: 15 Jac Roberts 14 Lewis Stockton 13 Harri Edwards 12 Cameron Hughes 11 Rhodri Mayor 10 Morgan Willimas 9 Sam Stelmazeck, 1 Callum Mitchell 2 Luke Williams 3 Zack Roberts 4 Tom Hughes 5 Matt Phelan 6 Max Davies 7 Eifion Roberts 8 Toby Twigg.
Replacements: Huw Owen, Oli Sharples, Tim Grey, Harry Collins, Huw Worthington, Cameron Davies, Tom Williams.
Dragons U18: 15 Scott Turner 14 Tomas Williams 13 Tyler Morgan 12 Ben Snell 11 Curtis Ayling 10 Angus O’Brien 9 Luke Crane (c), 1 Kegan Bale 2 Louie Tovey 3 Luke Leddington 4 Joe Davies 5 Gareth Allen 6 Evan Whitson 7 Oliver Griffiths 8 Todd James.
Replacements: Robert Thomas, Harrison Fry, Jake Edwards, Derryn Jones, Tom Poynder, Aeron Bidegood, Ashley Jeffries, Luc Jones.
RGC 1404 U16: 15 Ryan Pike 14 Rhys Tudor 13 Danny Cross 12 Ianto Pari 11 Sam Jones 10 Rhun Williams 9 Owen Williams, 1 George Grice-Gibson 2 Aron Hughes 3 Rhodri Parry 4 Sean Lonsdale 5 Lukas Owen-Ziegenbalg 6 William Bryan 7 Aeron Sanchez 8 Max Peters.
Replacements: Luc Davies, Alun Hughes, Jonathon Pym, Pat Fray, Lloyd Evans, Robin Jones, Osian Jones, Alwyn Lister.
Dragons U16: 15 Connor Kidner 14 George Gasson 13 Patric Lewis 12 Connor Edwards 11 James Scarfi 10 Josh Malson 9 Dom Quigley, 1 Jack Kedward 2 Jack Johnsey 3 Jack Williams 4 Bryce Morgan 5 Harry Ashby 6 Lloyd Phillips 7 Max George 8 Matthew Donovan.
Replacements: Corey Greenaway, Josh McCarthy, Angus Brown, Ryan Collins, Nathan Hudd, Owain Leonard, George Collins, Gareth Jones.
