Welsh Clubs XV to make home international debut

The Welsh Clubs XV will make their home international debut at Virginia Park on Friday, 3 November when they meet their French counterparts (kick-off 7.15pm).

Wales coach Gerry Roberts has named a 25-man squad for the game and Bargoed’s Anthony Lott continues as captain having led the side in their debut Tests in a Four Nations Tournament in Liège, Belgium in August.

The side is made up of players from ASDA Leagues Division 1-5 who represent their Regions in the WRU Regional Community Championship. They went down 25-7 to Spain and then 28-17 to France Amateurs in their summer debut.

“The trip to Belgium was a great exercise for this new venture and the players bonded well. They performed superbly well against a Spanish side that almost qualified for the Rugby World Cup finals and then fell foul of the referee against France,” said Roberts, who is joined by Kim Norkett and Sean Gale on the coaching front. 

“We had six yellow cards in that game and were punished for our indiscipline. There are some very talented players at this level and we have been able to keep a number of the players we took to Belgium together for our first home game. 

“It will be an historic moment for the team on 3 November and all the players are looking forward to the occasion. We will be looking to put on a good show and I hope we can kick-start the Invesco Perpetual Series with a win to give Stephen Jones and his players a boost.” 

Admission on the night will be £5 for adults and £2 for children under 16 and oaps. 

Meanwhile, the WRU Regional Community Championship season kicks off at Llanidloes on Tuesday when the North Wales side (Gogledd) take on the Blues (kick-off 7.15pm) 

WELSH CLUBS XV SQUAD (v France Amateurs)

FULL BACKS

Nathan Gittins (Merthyr/Blues), Andrew Banfield (Lougher/Scarlets)

WINGS

Gavin Close  (Rhydyfelin/Blues), Mathew Jacobs (Llangennech/Scarlets),

Tom Bonnell (Trimsaran/Scarlets).

CENTRES

Darren Humphries (Bargoed/Dragons), Peter Smiriglia (Lougher/Scarlets),

OUTSIDE HALVES

Aled Davies (Whitland/Scarlets), Jamie Howell (Bargoed/Dragons).

SCRUM HALVES

Rhodri Jones (Garndiffaith/Dragons), Phil Tucker (Penclawdd/Ospreys).

PROPS

Owen Cotton (Ynysybwl/Blues), Ross Jones (Bargoed/Dragons), Anthony Lott (Captain, Bargoed/Dragons), Ashley Bannister (Llanelli Wanderers/Scarlets).

HOOKERS

Leigh Meads (Bargoed/Dragons), Mark Jones (Pontyberem/Scarlets).

LOCKS

Lee  Williams (Newport Saracens/Dragons), Jamie Noble (Pontypool/Dragons),

Gareth Gore  (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Chris James (Narberth/Scarlets).

BACK ROW

Geraint Turner (Abercynon/Blues), Lewis Woods (Narberth/Scarlets), Andrew Packer (Newport Saracens/Dragons), Paul Rees (Felinfoel/Scarlets).