Date: 30/6/14
Wales Dragonhearts have released a 23-man squad for their Celtic Nations Cup campaign in August.
The squad, who will take on Scotland in Glasgow on Sunday 10th August and Ireland in North Wales on Saturday 23rd August, has been selected from community clubs from all over Wales.
Head coach Mike Grady said: “We had a fantastic turnout with 96 attending trials in North and South Wales and finishing with a Possibles v Probables game. The squad was picked from the people attending these trials, which shows the commitment of players wanting to be in the squad. It’s been tough for assistant coach Paul Emanuelli and I selecting it due to the amount quality on display but I feel we have now got a squad capable of winning this year’s tournament.”
Emanuelli said: “Having been involved with the Dragonhearts for years this has definitely been one of the toughest selection processes ever. We’ve had great turn outs and Mike and I have had hours of going back and forth before we finalised what we think is an extremely strong squad with a good mix of experience and young talent. I can’t wait to get started now!”
Cardiff Demons’ Chris True was delighted to have been named as captain for the series.
“I’m immensely proud to be leading the Dragonhearts in 2014,” he said. “We have a really strong set of talented individuals and I can’t wait to help Mike and Paul bring everyone together as a winning team.
Vice-captain Gareth Way adds: “It’s a real honour to have been selected let alone be asked by Mike and Paul to be vice-captain. It’ll be my first year involved with Dragonhearts and I hope to make it a successful one. Congratulations to everyone that made the cut and look forward to seeing you at training.”
Aled Jones, John Ketland (both Flintshire Falcons), Andrew Milne, Gareth Howells, Lee Harben-Jones, Nathan Hawkins, Tylan Mafi (all Bridgend Blue Bulls), Anthony Tilley, Callum Bennett (both Prestatyn & Rhyl Panthers), Bobby Andrews, Bradley Hill, Geraint Clarke (all Aber Valley Wolves), Chris True (Cardiff Demons, captain), Dan Crimmins (Cardiff Spartans), Dan Davies, Dan Parry, Darryl Carter, Gareth Way (vice-captain), Ian Newbury, Mike Hurley, Scott Britton (all Valley Cougars), Lewis Stockton (Woolston Rovers), Ryan Bates (Torfaen Tigers). Stand-by: Lee Goddard (Valley Cougars), Dan Henderson (Cardiff Demons).
