Day One of the 2017 U18 International Series will now be held at Taffs Well and the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, the Welsh Rugby Union can confirm.

The first round of the three-day series was due to take place at Sardis Road this Saturday. However, due to recent issues surrounding the playing surface, it has been agreed with Pontypridd that it would be played elsewhere in order to ensure testing on the surface is as thorough as possible.

“We completely respect Pontypridd’s diligence regarding the matter and appreciate their co-operation in moving the fixtures for day one,” said Gethin Watts, Age Grade Manager of the Welsh Rugby Union. “It’s a pity we won’t be taking the series to Pontypridd this year, but we’re now looking forward to hosting three exciting games at nearby Taffs Well and the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.”

On Saturday, Taffs Well will host the first match of the competition between England and Canada (kick-off 14:30), with the action then moving to the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park for Ireland v Italy (18:00) and Wales v Scotland (20:05).

Other venues hosting matches later this month are Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli and Newport Gwent Dragons’ training base, the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach. Training bases for the visiting nations include Whitchurch High School and Cardiff International Sports Stadium (Ireland and Scotland respectively), Bonymaen and Swansea University (Italy and England) and the National Centre of Excellence (Canada).

Wales U18 warmed up for the series with a 29-19 victory against their English counterparts at Eugene Cross Park in Ebbw Vale recently, with head coach Geraint Lewis’s team looking to continue that form this Saturday night in Cardiff.

2017 U18 International Series Fixtures

Saturday 8th April:

Taffs Well RFC
England v Canada (14:30)

BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park
Ireland v Italy (18:00)
Wales v Scotland (20:05)

Wednesday 12th April:

Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
Scotland v Italy (15:30)
England v Ireland (17:15)
Wales v Canada (19:35)

Sunday 16th April:

CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach
Italy v Canada (12:00)
Scotland v England (14:30)
Wales v Ireland (16:15)

Tickets will be available on the gate at each venue. They will priced at £5 for adults (free for U16s), for which supporters will be able to watch all three games on the day. Re-entry not permitted.

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