The Wales Students set-up was re-established three years ago in conjunction by the Welsh Rugby Union in conjunction with the Welsh Students Rugby Union, as a key part of the WRU pathway for identifying and developing talent.
The side, coached by James Chapron (Dragons) along with Chris Ower (WRU), Louie Tonkin (Cardiff University) and Steve Goddard (University of South Wales), will play two international matches this season, the first against France Students on April 18 at Stade Paul CHANDON, Epernay, followed by England at home on May 6 (venue tbc).
It is the toughest fixture list since the side was resurrected, something to look forward to according to assistant coach Chris Ower.
“The Wales Students programme has grown considerably in the past three years and Welsh rugby has reaped the benefits,” said Ower. “A number of players have come through Wales Students to represent Wales internationally, such as the likes of Sam Cross, Luke Treharne, Tom Williams and Rhodri Davies who have all played for Wales on the World Rugby Sevens circuit. Others have played for Wales Under 20 or are now playing Principality Premiership or regional rugby in Wales.”
Prop Sam Fisher (Loughborough) will lead the side, one of only five squad players who have been involved with Wales Students previously, however, many of the players currently play Principality Premiership or SWALEC Championship rugby.
“It is a young side with a lot of new faces, but Wednesday’s match against the British Police will be a good judge of where we are. The British Police will be a physical outfit and are unbeaten in their matches so far this season against Irish Police, British Fire Service and the RAF.
Wales Students team v British Police (Wednesday 18 March, 7.15pm, Caerphilly Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach):
15: Gareth Thompson -Hartpury College/ Hartpury College RFC
14: Rob Stevenson – Durham University
13: Matthew Edwards – Loughborough University/ Loughborough University RFC
12: Gabriel Davies – University of West England
11: Jacob Unwin -Hartpury College/ Hartpury College RFC
10: James Lang – Bangor University/ RGC 1404
9: Josh Guy – Swansea University/ Llandovery RFC
1: Sam Fisher – Loughborough University/ Loughborough University RFC
2: Joe Tomlinson – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Cardiff RFC
3: Ben Edwards – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Cardiff Metropolitan University RFC
4: Deryn Jones – Bath University
5: Freddie Owen – London School of Economics/ Blackheath RFC
6: Michael Snook – Bath University
8: Cameron Watson-Boycott – Cardiff University/ Cardiff Medicals RFC
7: Callum Bowden – Hartpury College/ Hartpury College RFC
16: Steffan Phillips – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Carmarthen Quins RFC
17: Dafydd Hughes – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Cardiff Metropolitan University RFC
18: Tom Kaijacks – Swansea University
19: Jordan Cox – University of Hertfordshire
20: Rhys Davies – Loughborough University/ Sedgley Park RFC
21: Gareth George – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Carmarthen Quins RFC
22: Jack Maynard – Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Bedwas RFC
23: Andy Evans – Cardiff University/ Newbridge RFC
