WALES Sevens internationals Rhys Jones and Sam Cross will spearhead Newport Gwent Dragons’ challenge at the Premiership Rugby 7s on Saturday evening.

The pair, who are regulars on the World Sevens Series and narrowly missed out on Commonwealth Games selection, have been named in the Dragons’ squad for the tournament with their three region rivals at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park (7.15pm start).

Unattached specialist Ed Tellwright will also be one to watch on the 3G surface – the winger has played for Great Britain Students in the shortened format and represented London Irish in last year’s competition.

Newport winger Elliot Frewen possesses plenty of speed, as does Bedwas centre/wing Lewis Hudd who was released by the Dragons academy at the end of last season.

Rhys Jones’ brother Dorian, who featured for Wales in a sevens exhibition encounter against England at Twickenham last season, is included along with his Cross Keys teammate Jonny Lewis.

Three back row forwards from the senior Dragons squad are included – James Thomas along with Wales Under-20s opensides James Benjamin and Ollie Griffiths.

Dragons Academy pair Harri Keddie and Owen Davies, a back row forward and scrum-half respectively, complete the 12-man squad.

Wales Sevens international and senior squad member Matthew Pewtner is a reserve along with Scott Matthews.

The top two regions will progress to finals days against six English rivals at the Twickenham Stoop.

Dragons squad: J Benjamin, J Thomas, R Jones, D Jones, O Griffiths, H Keddie, O Davies, E Frewen, S Cross, L Hudd, J Lewis, E Tellwright. Reserves: M Pewtner, S Matthews

Game 1 – Ospreys v Blues (7.15pm), game 2 – Dragons v Scarlets (7.40pm), game 3 – Dragons v Ospreys (8.10pm), game 4 – Blues v Scarlets (8.35pm), game 5 – Ospreys v Scarlets (9.05pm), game 6 – Dragons v Blues (9.30pm).