Six Cardiff Blues youngsters will feature for Wales in this weekend's Women's Under-18 7s Home Nations tournament at Swansea University.
Head coach Jonathan Hooper has selected a 12-woman squad as Wales prepare to take on England, Scotland and Ireland, with Saturday results set to determine the Sunday schedule.
Beth Huntley, Ffion Owen, Megan Davies, Nia Grundy, Hannah Powell and Megan Webb are all representatives of Wales' Capital Region, with the latter two also a part of the senior Sevens programme. They follow in the footsteps of fellow Cardiff Blue, Manon Johnes, who has since made her senior Wales debut in the 15-a-side game.
Hooper said: “This tournament will provide an excellent taste of international rugby for these girls who have come through last season’s Under 18 regional programme or been identified representing their schools and colleges at the Urdd WRU 7s and Rosslyn Park Sevens.
“It will be good to test ourselves against the best players from the other home nations ahead of Rugby Europe U18 tournament in Poland at the end of the month (August 31, Sep 1). Two years ago, the likes of Manon Johnes, Beth Lewis and Lleucu George were in our squad and have gone on to play senior, international rugby so it’s certainly all about developing these young players for the international game. It will be great to test out skills at this level.”
Wales Women U18 7s squad: Beth Huntley, Chelsea Jones, Darcy Thomas, Ffion Owen, Hannah Powell, Jade Hughes, Megan Davies, Megan Webb, Melissa Gnojek, Nia Grundy, Sian Davies, Tygan Pinch
U18 7s Home Nations
Saturday 17 August 10 – 4
Sunday 18 August 9.30 – 12
Swansea University Playing Fields