Whatever the result of the match, the Dragons have one record guaranteed already. Hallam Amos is set to make history as the youngest Welsh player to play regional rugby in any competition, when he makes his start on Saturday aged 17 years and 28 days.
“We don’t take these decisions lightly,” said Robert Beale, Director of Rugby at the Dragons, “Hallam has come through the age grades and trained with the senior squad throughout the summer. This is a great opportunity for a talented young player.”
“I’ve learnt a lot from training with the senior squad,” said Amos, “All of them to a man have been supportive and encouraging and there’s a lot of camaraderie in the squad. Ashley Smith has been really helpful in giving me lifts since I don’t drive yet.”
Hallam’s record might be short-lived, however. Jack Dixion, who could make his regional debut from the bench, is only sixteen years, three-hundred and thirteen days old.
Who ever ends up bringing home the record we can be sure that this will be a debut neither of them will forget.
Newport-Gwent Dragons: Hallam Amos, Ifan Evans, Adam Hughes, Lewis Robling, Mike Poole, Steffan Jones, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Rhys Buckley, Nathan Buck, Adam Jones, Scott Morgan, Jevon Groves, Darren Waterss, Tom Brown
Replacements: Sam Parry, Hugh Gustafson, Nathan Williams, Ieuan Jones, Hugo Ellis, Joe Bedford, Jack Dixon, Matthew Jones
