FOUR players from Gwent have made the Wales Under-18s squad to face England Lions at Taff’s Well RFC on Sunday (kick-off 1pm).

There are three South Wales Scorpions in Monmouth’s Jordan Howells, Newport’s TJ Collin and Ebbw Vale’s Rhys Finney as well as Wigan Warriors’ Rhys Pugsley who is also from Newport.

Wing Howells, centre Collin and prop/back rower Pugsley all start while Finney is a replacement.

Sunday’s match is the first of a two-match series against England, the second being on Friday, October 18 at the same location.

Wales U-18s have a good record against the England Lions side having won three and drawn one in this annual fixture since it was created four years ago.

2013 Rugby League World Cup squad members Rhys Evans, Ben Evans and Rhodri Lloyd starred in that first match and Wales U-18s coach Dave Clark believes that seeing such players go on to enjoy success will spur his young side on.

“It’s always good to see former Wales junior squad members progress on to senior side honours,” he said.

“That’s what the development programme is all about.

“We’re delighted that Wales v England Lions is a two-match series for the first time and we think that once again we have a strong squad to be able to take them on.

“Our side has a lot of experience there, especially with the Scorpions lads who have played quite a few Championship 1 games between them this season.

“I’m sure it’ll be an exciting and competitive match at Taff’s Well on Sunday with both sides looking to get their first win on the board.”

Match admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for juniors.

Wales Under 18s team: C Leyshon (South Wales Scorpions), L Stockton (Conwy Celts), M Davies (North Wales Crusaders), J Howells (South Wales Scorpions), K Moore (Bradford Bulls), C Davies (South Wales Scorpions), J Sheridan (Conwy Celts), M Connor (South Wales Scorpions), C Farrer (South Wales Scorpions), O Philips (South Wales Scorpions), TJ Collin (South Wales Scorpions), B Mais (Wigan Warriors), R Pugsley (Wigan Warriors).

Replacements: O Vickers (Telford Raiders), R Finney (South Wales Scorpions), R Fitzgerald (South Wales Scorpions), J Griffiths (Gwendraeth Valley Raiders), S Boundford (Treharris Phoenix), J Williams (Gloucestershire All Golds).