The squad is captained by Dragons Academy scrum-half Robert Lewis who brings Wales sevens experience from the world circuit – such as Wellington, San Diego, Hong Kong and Adelaide – to Rodney Parade. Coach Paul Turner said:
“Robert is a good footballer and has an excellent attitude. I’ve watched him on the sevens circuit and within the region and look forward to his contribution as captain at the Men of Gwent Sevens on Saturday.”
He added: “It is our hope that Rob will play regular regional rugby in the future at Rodney Parade and this is a great opportunity for him in front of our loyal rugby supporters.”
The squad will face Newbridge and Newport Saracens while Ebbw Vale battle with Fleur-de-Lys and Blackwood, Cross Keys are up against Bedwas and Pill Harriers and have been Newport drawn with Pontypool and Newport High School Old Boys.
The Academy’s senior siblings, the Newport Gwent Dragons squad, will also be around to cheer on the side at the family fun day which includes the popular ‘Meet the Dragons’ experience, a mini tag competition, music, bouncy castles, face painting, fairground attractions, paint balling and the St David’s Foundation charity raffle.
Tickets are on sale now via the Rodney Parade Ticketline on 01633 674990 or at the ticket Office priced at £1 for children and £5 for adults. An Early Bird discount on Season Tickets will also apply for one day only at Rodney Parade.
The squad for the Men of Gwent Sevens is as follows:
James Lewis, Ben Roberts, Aaron Coundley, Jimmy Norris, Ieaun Coombes, Rhys Jenkins, Robert Lewis (c), James Thomas, Dai Lansdon, Jason Tovey, Nathan Preece, Adam Hughes
Tournament Schedule
A 12.00 Dragons Academy v Newport Saracens
B 12.20 Ebbw Vale v Fleur-de-Lys
D 12.40 Bedwas v Pill Harriers
C 1.00 Newport v NHSOB
A 1.25 Newbridge v Newport Saracens
B 1.45 Blackwood v Fleur-de-Lys
D 2.05 Crosskeys v Pill Harriers
C 2.25 Pontypool v NHSOB
A 2.50 Dragons Academy v Newbridge
B 3.10 Ebbw Vale v Blackwood
D 3.30 Bedwas v Crosskeys
C 3.50 Newport v Pontypool
Quarter Final 1 – Winner Pool A v Runner Up Pool B 4.20
Quarter Final 2 – Winner Pool D v Runner Up Pool C 4.40
Quarter Final 3 – Winner Pool B v Runner Up Pool A 5.00
Quarter Final 4 – Winner Pool C v Runner Up Pool D 5.20
Semi-Final 1 – Winner Quarter Final 1 v Winner Quarter Final 2 5.50
Semi-Final 2 – Winner Quarter Final 3 v Winner Quarter Final 4 6.10
Uskmouth Power ‘Men of Gwent’ Sevens Final 6.45
