U18s side named for Scarlets clash

Cardiff Blues U18 return to on-field action as we host Scarlets u18 on Sunday afternoon in the first game of a three-way series against our West Wales rivals and Dragons, kick-off 2.30pm.

Led by Craig Everett and Dan Fish, the side is a mix of Academy contracted players and first year U18s, with most taking to the field for the first time since the covid-19 pandemic brought age grade rugby to a half last year.

Before that the U18s had been crowned Regional Age Grade Champions after an impressive season, and there are a number of returnees as Harri Williams starts at hooker, Sam Evans is at number eight and Iwan Pyrs-Jones gets the nod on the wing.

There are also eight members of the matchday squad on Academy contracts in the form loosehead prop Rhys Barratt, flanker duo Mackenzie Martin and Gwilym Evans, centre partnership Harrison James and Louie Hennessey-Booth, winger Jake Thomas, full-back Cameron Winnett and Ryan Wilkins who will cover the centres from the bench.

Cardiff Blues U18: Cameron Winnett, Iwan Pyrs-Jones, Louie Hennessey-Booth, Harrison James, Jake Thomas, Jacob Symes, Zac Fifield; Rhys Barratt, Harri Williams, Owen Hethrel, Tom Caple, Tirion Bowen, Mackenzie Martin, Gwilym Evans (c), Sam Evans

Replacements: Owen Williams, Ioan Emmanuel, Kian Mattravers, Dylan Thomas, Zack Mutyambizi, Kian Evans, Orson James, Ryan Wilkins, Sam Harris, Ty Lewis