Dragons RFC may not be in action this weekend as we return to international rugby, however that does not mean that the lights at Rodney Parade will be dimmed at all.
Friday night sees Dragons RFC’s home play host to Wales U20s as they return to Wales following a nerve-wrangling win in Italy.
No fewer than seven Dragons were named in Richard Whiffin’s original Wales U20s squad with six having already made an appearance this tournament.
With Nick Thomas having been ruled out following an ankle injury suffered in the first half against France, who are the Dragons who might be on show this weekend?
Evan Minto
18-year-old Minto had big shoes to fill when he entered U20s camp, looking to put his own stamp on the number eight jersey worn by Morgan Morse in recent seasons.
The Pontypool United product nearly stepped away from the sport a few years ago but is now revelling in the opportunities he is getting.
Minto impressed for Dragons A in their wins against Scarlets and Ospreys in November, scoring twice against the former and has since gone from strength-to-strength, making his debut for Dragons in the win at Newcastle in December and had a taste of playing in front of the Rodney Parade faithful against Glasgow on the weekend.
The Hartpury player is one of the top tacklers in the tournament so far with 31 after two rounds and his industrious displays have caught the eye, providing the perfect foil for the turnover exploits of captain Harry Beddall.
Look out for Minto’s speed and ball-carrying which were both in evidence for his tries against Scarlets development in November.
Logan Franklin
Like Minto, Franklin has started both of Wales U20s games so far in the competition.
A lively nine with a bullet pass, Franklin’s fundamentals were developed as a youngster, passing the ball in the garden with his uncle while also playing for Newbridge's youth teams.
A talented footballer having been part of the set up of Newport's junior programmes, Franklin also represented both Bargoed and Penallta RFC with the latter on the doorstep of Dragons RFC's training ground at Ystrad Mynach's Centre of Sporting Excellence.
Having represented Dragons at age grade level, Franklin was signed to the academy following impressive performances for Penallta and has joined coach Matt O’Brien in the half-backs at Newport RFC this season.
Harri Ford
Ford is in his second year of 20s and the Senghenydd RFC product has already impressed with his skills as a playmaker and running game as shown during last year’s World Cup.
Having represented RGC in last year’s Indigo Premiership, this year has seen Ford turn out for Pontypool, impressing as he continues to learn his trade.
Along with his ability with ball in hand, Ford has shown his confidence off the tee already this Championship, slotting a touchline conversion as well as a match-winning penalty in the victory against Italy.
With younger brother - and fellow fly-half - Will having impressed for Dragons U18s during the RAG Championship so far this calendar year, expect the surname Ford to become a fixture in Gwent rugby.
Ryan Jones
Abergavenny born Jones is still eligible to be playing for Dragons U18s having led the side during last year’s RAG championship.
After impressing off the bench with a try during his first 20s appearance, in a warm-up match against Scotland, Jones was selected in the Six Nations squad and made his debut off the bench in the win in Italy.
The flanker, who can also play at eight, is another Dragon Academy player who has represented Pontypool this term and will look to gain experience this year as he builds through his rugby development.
The 18-year-old balances playing with a job in the family trade as a butcher, often training after a shift at the abattoir.
Harry Rees-Weldon
A regular in Super Rygbi Cymru, Rees-Weldon is in his second year of 20s, having last year been part of an all-Dragons back three with Pontypool’s Walker Price and Dragons full-back Huw Anderson.
The Ebbw Vale flyer has plenty of pace to go with his physical size and was one who impressed for Dragons A in their development games against Scarlets and Ospreys in November, scoring a brace against both.
The winger is highly thought of at Ebbw having focused on rugby comparably late having previously been part of the Swansea City academy as a striker.
Having come through the Ebbw Vale youth system, Rees-Weldon has been a regular for the Steelmen this term, making the right-wing berth his own before joining Wales U20s, impressing in the friendly win against Scotland with a try.
Owain James
James is a tighthead who joined the region having previously played for Cardiff and the Vale College, Brecon and Pontypridd.
At 6 foot 1 and more than 19 stone, James certainly has the physical attributes to succeed as a tighthead and has been honing his craft at Pontypool, playing alongside the likes of fellow Dragons Academy front rowers Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths and Sam Scarfe.
James was another who had an opportunity to wear the Dragons jersey during their Dragons A game against Scarlets at Rodney Parade.
