Ahead of the Championship opener against Dragons RFC on Sunday, the Cardiff U18 side were presented with their match jerseys by first team star Jarrod Evans.
The Welsh international outside half came through the club’s pathway system, graduating into the first team in 2015 and going on to make more than a century of appearances in the blue and black jersey.
The playmaker, who had played in front of a sell-out crowd at the Arms Park the previous evening, attended the team’s training session at Sardis Road, as head coach Darren Bool announced the matchday 23 for the opening weekend.
Katie Sims will captain the team at the Arms Park, with full team news available here.
Evans said: “It was an honour to be asked to come and present the match jerseys ahead of the team’s first game.
“Playing age grade rugby for Cardiff was probably the most enjoyable time I’ve had during my career, and I’m sure it will be equally special for this group of girls.
“Being there on Monday took me back to those memories and I was delighted to have the opportunity to share my experiences with the group and wish them well ahead of Sunday.
“It was fantastic to see their success last season, and I’m sure they will give it their all again this year. The Arms Park is a superb place to play rugby, so to start the campaign at such an iconic stadium will be a great experience.
“As a first team squad, we’re extremely proud of our age grade teams, and we keep a close eye on results. They are the future of our club and a hugely important part of Cardiff Rugby.”
Team manager, Kira Philpott, added: “We’re hugely grateful that Jarrod made the effort to come down and present the girls with their match jersey for Sunday.
“As a backroom team, we’re eager to show that this group is a valued part of the club, and to have that integration with the men’s first team is a key part of that.
“It was great to hear Jarrod sharing his own experiences of coming through Cardiff’s pathway, and that’s really relatable for these girls. He’s a really good role model for any aspiring rugby player within the region, and the girls were over the moon to have Jarrod presenting their jerseys to them.
“With Jarrod attending on Monday, the honour of being selected has certainly sunk in for the group. It’s something that they will remember for the rest of their playing careers, and hopefully they will all recognise their achievements in getting to this point.
“The players and staff are very excited to get going, after a good few weeks of talent identification and preparation. We’re already proud of those involved and we have the utmost faith that they will represent the club in the best way possible.”
Cardiff U18: Rhianna Bryant; Raylee Caviell, Nia Fajeyisan, Sophie Southgate, Madison Isgrove; Rachel Thomas-Evans, Seren Lockwood; Crystal James, Shannelle Williams, Niamh Padmore, Izabel Wing, Fern Cumine, Katie Sims (capt.), Riley Stanger, Manon Blackford
Replacements: Nia Powell, Tilly Vucaj, Meg Morris, Ella Fry, Gwennan Hopkins, Brooke Bevan, Sophia Foscolo, Libby Edwards
Round 1 (Cardiff Arms Park) – Sunday, 8 January
Cardiff v Dragons (11.15am)
RGC v Ospreys (12.45pm)
Round 2 (Llandovery) – Sunday, 15 January
Scarlets v Ospreys (12pm)
RGC v Dragons (2.30pm)
Round 3 (Parc Eirias) – Sunday, 29 January
Scarlets v Dragons (1pm)
RGC v Cardiff (3pm)
Round 4 (The Gnoll, Neath) – Sunday, 5 February
Ospreys v Cardiff (11am)
RGC v Scarlets (3pm)
Round 5 (Ystrad Mynach) – Sunday, 19 February
Cardiff v Scarlets (1pm)
Dragons v Ospreys (4pm)
