Date: December 1 2009 at 3.00pm
NWRC PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 1 DECEMBER 2009
WALES U18s v AUSTRALIA SCHOOLS U!8 - Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay on Saturday 5 December (6pm).
The much awaited clash between these two exciting young sides is only days away. The game will be the Australians third match of a seven-match tour of the UK and Ireland which ends with a Test against England Under 18 on Saturday, 19 December.
Simon King’s young dragons will be out to avenge the defeat inflicted by the Australian senior touring squad on Wales at the Millennium stadium last Saturday and expectations are high.
King said: "We will pick a strong squad largely based on last year's Six Nations squad for this match. It's a great opportunity for all of us to be able to play against a national southern hemisphere side. As with the senior side, the more regular contact we have with these teams, the better. When these players come up against the same players at a later stage, they will be more confident having already met them.
Amongst the squad members are two very talented home-grown players – George North and Rhodri Jones.(Bio-pics below) and all of the North Wales rugby fraternity will be willing them to do well.
Over 2000 free tickets have already been distributed to clubs and schools across the region and the message is to get there early.
Leisure Centre Manager, Mally Tidswell is urging fans to arrive in plenty of time:
“We have designated car parks close to Parc Eirias and have worked closely with the police to ensure that they are used to the full. These will be found at the Civic Centre, Police HQ, Tennis Centre, Eirias High School, Colwyn Leisure Centre, Douglas Road, Princes Drive, Ivy Street, Landsdowne Road and the Promenade from A55 to the Pier.
Conwy County Council, who have given tremendous support to this match are also supplying ‘ponchos’ to every spectator in case of rain – a marvelous gesture to keep the crowds happy and dry!
This will be the first Test match in north Wales since Wales played Romania in August 2003. An Australian Schools side, together with all three Ella brothers, played a North Wales side in Llandudno in 1977, winning 66-0. The current Australian senior side includes three players who were playing for their schools XV three years ago.
Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council said: "We are delighted to be hosting this international game at Parc Eirias and hope that it is the first of many. The Council is committed to creating a centre of sporting excellence at Parc Eirias and making sure that the regeneration and economic opportunities that arise benefit the whole region.
Tickets for the match are £7 for adults and £2 for Under 16s in the Grandstand and £5 for adults and free entry for Under 16s in the Terrace. Tickets go on sale on Monday 23 November at Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre and through Venue Cymru - www.venuecymru.co.uk and by calling 01492 872000.
George North
Welsh speaker George was born in 1991 in King’s Lynn Norfolk the family, two older sisters and brother moving to Anglesey when he was 3 yrs old. Attended Valley Primary School where his father is the local blacksmith and then Ysgol Bodedern. Followed his elder brother’s footsteps and represented Ynys Mon at soccer but attracted to rugby and played various age groups at Llangefni, Pwllheli and Rhyl. George was a member of the very successful Gogledd Cymru U16 side, which beat the Scarlets in 2007.George undoubted potential was recognised early, and he is now in the Scarlets academy whilst studying at Llandovery College. He is very keen to progress his rugby career and his ultimate ambition is to get a full Welsh cap to go with his Wales U18 and honours. North Wales are very proud of his achievements so far and watch the progress of this strong running centre with considerable interest. George is grateful for the local and family support and opportunities he got in his early years and is excited by the prospect of semi pro /academy in North Wales.
Rhodri Jones
Rhodri a farmer’s son hails from Pennal near Machynlleth. Born in 1991he has two elder brothers who play rugby at Machynlleth and a younger sister. Attended. local Pennal primary school before moving to Ysgol Tywyn. Started playing rugby at an early age (, he was also a keen swimmer), at Machynlleth before moving to Pwllheli where he was a member of their successful U15 team, which achieved back-to-back Eryri Cup trophies. Like his fellow squad member George North he was an influential member of the ground breaking Gogledd Cymru U16 team, which defeated the Scarlets in 2007.Has, represented Wales U18 last year when he was awarded man of the match against Italy. Currently in Scarlets academy whilst studying at Llandovery College, hopes to study product design at Swansea University next year but he has a burning ambition to be a professional rugby player and achieve his ultimate goal of a full welsh cap. He attributes his renowned scrummaging strength and stamina to helping his father on the farm and home cooking when his busy schedule allows him back to Pennal.
For further information, contact John Roberts, Communications Officer NWRC on 07774132262 or at johnwyn@hotmail.com
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