Cardiff Blues have confirmed their combined under-16 and under-16 development squads for the second half of the regional age grade season.
Following the announcement of the coaching teams earlier today, players have been selected with each squad including a combination of Cardiff Blues North and South players.
Cardiff Blues under-16 will take on Ospreys, Scarlets and Scotland Blue, while the Development side will face Gloucester, Scotland Red and an Ospreys Development team.
Cardiff Blues under-16 Development will kick off their campaign at the Arms Park this Sunday, taking on Wales Exiles and a Dragons Development side, with the first game set to kick off at 12.30pm.
Talent pathway manager, Aled James, said: “Once again, we’re really happy with the progress shown by our under-16 sides in the Regional Age Grade Championship this season.
"There's been some excellent performances in the first half of the season, and it's great to see how boys have developed on and off the field during that time. The challenge for the boys is to continue to perform at that level heading into the second half of the campaign.
“This next stage of the season is another important stepping stone in the players’ development. It’s an opportunity to see new combinations across the park and being in a new environment will keep them on their toes and perhaps take them out of their comfort zone.
“The Development squad is crucial for the pathway. It’s a really good opportunity to ensure a big pool of players are given a fair opportunity to impress and given adequate playing time at a good level and against good opposition.
“Six of last season’s development squad featured in the under-18 title-winning match against Scarlets this season, with another player playing against the Scotland national side two days earlier, which shows how effective it can be as a development tool.
“What we are really excited about is the facilities and coaching teams involved. Both squads will continue to receive high quality service from a development point of view, including S&C coaching, which will put them in the best possible place to compete for places at under-17 and under-18 level next season.
“Whether we play against fellow regions or against teams from Scotland and England, they all present unique challenges and unique learning curves, and as a department we’re eager to see how the boys adapt to those challenges.”
Also in the pipeline are cross-border fixtures for a Cardiff Blues under-17 side, with further details to be announced in due course.
Cardiff Blues Under-16
Forwards: Daniel Heselton, Kai Carnell, Jack Lock, Evan Addis, Sam James, Callum Dawe, Samuel Sully, Thomas Caple, Garin Enoch, Liam Jones, Dewi Hobbs, Zachary Mutyambizi, Kian Evans, Harper Chamberlain, McKenzie Martin, Casey Williams, Iwan Coyle
Backs: Chad Powell, Finlay Charles, Orson James, Morgan Wyn Bowen, Louie Hennessey, Harrison James, Ty Lewis, Dylan Williams, Ben Moon, Dafydd Walsh, Osian Coates, Jack Davies, Jacob Symes
Cardiff Blues Under-16 Development
Forwards: Luke Bennett, Lewis Walsh, Will Fyfe, Edward Hogan, Owen Williams, Tom Connolly, Hans Nel, Taine Avey, Kian Mattervers, JJ Lynn, Rian Mason Jenkins, Josh Lee, Kieron Heatlie, Josh Bosley, Rhys Burleton, Isaac LaRoche, Rhys Ford, Sam Godfrey, Blake Griffiths, Josh Hanmer, Josh Edwards, Josh Hughes, Gruff Lloyd, Woody Facey, Evan Jones
Backs: Osian Phillips, Cody Eltringham, Jaydon Lewis, Jack Roberts, Sam Harris, Aston Warhurst, Jayde Williams-Witney, Euan Phillips, Owen Yeoman, Joe Pearce, Kian Jacobs, Callum Cox, Ioan Evans, Rio Davies, Thomas Edwards, Ben Newton, Jack Grant, Ioan Rhys-Thomas, Owen Richards