14 March 2018

 Pontcanna and Llandaf Fields in Cardiff will be packed full of activity this week as girls and boys from primary and secondary schools and colleges across Wales come together for the largest youth 7s Rugby competition ever held in Wales.

For the first time this year S4C will be broadcasting the final rounds of the tournament live on the S4C Chwaraeon Facebook page; between 4.00 and 6.00 on Thursday 15 March, and between 3.00 and 5.00 on Friday 16 March, with Lauren Jenkins presenting the coverage and Rhys ap William commentating.

Owen Evans, Chief Executive of S4C said, “This competition is one of the highlights of the school year for pupils across Wales, and we are pleased to be able to be part of the day. We are proud that we are able to offer a national platform for some of the sport’s future stars.”

Former tournament participants include players who now star regularly for Wales and the Welsh regions. Among them is Wales and Scarlets player, Rhys Patchell.

Rhys Patchell says; “I have so many great memories of competing in the Urdd WRU 7s Rugby tournament throughout my time at Ysgol Glantaf, including the experience of playing in the final on Stradey Park.

"The standard of playing is fantastic, and it was always a pleasure to see so many pupils taking part. I am lucky enough to have benefited from wide-ranging experiences through the Urdd, which has taught me especially how to compete on a large, national stage.

"It’s great to see how much the competition has grown, and to see the Wales Sevens selectors going along to see new talent coming through.”

Some of last year’s male and female participants have gone on to play for Wales Sevens U18, Regional Age Grade sides and in some cases Principality Premiership clubs.

In addition to increasing participation opportunities, sevens rugby also offers a pathway to play the game at an elite level, right through to the Olympics.

A glistening rugby career could be born this week, and captured by the S4C cameras - live on the S4C Chwaraeon Facebook page.

Tune in between 4.00 and 6.00 on Thursday and Friday afternoons, 15 and 16 March, 2018.