Cardiff Blues under-18 have named their side to take on their Dragons counterparts in Tuesday’s Regional Age Grade Championship opener at Ystrad Mynach (KO 7.30pm).
Wales’ Capital Region get the campaign underway against their rivals, but face a quickfire set of fixtures, as they host RGC at Sardis Road on Sunday (KO 2.30pm).
Head coaches Craig Everett and Aled James have been boosted by the inclusion of outside half, Ben Burnell, who has recently returned from international duty with Wales under-18 in South Africa.
Burnell is one of five academy-contracted players included in the starting line-up - alongside Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ryan Wilkins, Theo Cabango and Efan Daniels.
Wales under-18 internationals Alex Mann, Ethan Lloyd, Jake Thomas and Mason Grady, will be integrated as the campaign continues, while back row Evan Lloyd has been appointed captain for the trip to Ystrad Mynach.
The extended squad was confirmed earlier today, with all of the region’s age grade fixtures also announced.
Cardiff Blues Under-18: Cameron Winnett; Oliver James, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ryan Wilkins, Theo Cabango; Ben Burnell, Harvey Nash; Harrison Chapman, Efan Daniels, Nathan Evans, Cai James, Rhys Anstey, Evan Lloyd (capt), Iestyn Galton, Ryan Jenkins
Replacements: Ellis Fackrell, Corben Evans, Rhys Barrett, Rhys Dauncey, Will Jameson, Tyler Morris, Cole Morgan, Edward Thomas