Newport Gwent Dragons players have broken all records for the region with all 5 players from the region in the Welsh squad representing Wales in their Rugby World Cup warm-up match against the Barbarians. (Saturday, 2:30pm, Millennium Stadium)
Luke Charteris will start at lock with Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate providing two thirds of the Welsh back row. Aled Brew will be adding to his international tally on the wing whilst Lloyd Burns will celebrate his wedding with a chance to come off the bench and pick up his first Welsh cap.
“We are absolutely delighted to have all 5 members of the Welsh squad from the Dragons involved in this game,” said Dragons Director of Rugby Robert Beale. “We have always known that there is a wealth of young Welsh talent at Rodney Parade and we have been keen to nurture that over buying in players. Today’s squad announcement is great recognition, not only for the individual players, but for Gwent rugby
“Danny Lydiate has already proven that there is a definite pathway from Dragons regional rugby to the national side and it is fantastic to see that pathway cemented by such a large call-up.
“It’s testament to the hard work these players have put in all season and everybody at the Dragons is thrilled for these boys as individuals and as representatives of the region."
WALES:Morgan Stoddart; George North, Jonathan Davies, Gavin Henson, Aled Brew; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Ryan Bevington, Huw Bennett, Paul James, Ryan Jones, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (Captain), Toby Faletau.
REPLACEMENTS:Lloyd Burns, Scott Andrews, Alun Wyn Jones, Josh Turnbull, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.
