Bridgend Blue Bulls prepare for their forthcoming Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round

Bridgend Blue Bulls are preparing for their forthcoming Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round tie by playing a friendly match against South East Wales Students this Sunday at Pyle RFC (kick-off 2pm).

The Student side will be solely selected from two establishments, University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University, with some of their players aiming for a place in Wales’ Student World Cup side in the summer. Their respective head coaches Rob Davies and Anthony Loxton will be joint coaches on the day.

The Bulls have been drawn away to London Chargers in the Cup match that will be played on Saturday 28^th January, and their team manager Steve Smith says that the encounter this Sunday will be vital preparation for them.

“It’s good for us to get back into training and getting game time before the Challenge Cup,” he said. “The interest from the draw has boosted our participation numbers and strengthened our squad for the upcoming season.

“We competed last year in the Cup but were well beaten in Cumbria especially as we were able to field a full side. A London trip is far more inviting and I think we’ll be very competitive in that game. This Sunday’s clash against the Students is a big test for us.”

BRIDGEND (from):

Jack Dryden

Stuart Robson

Nicky Giles

John Lloyd

Lewis Hughes

Gareth Howells

joe Symons

Aaron Harries

Nathan Morgan

Nathan Hawkins

Matt Brook

Scott Johnson

Brodie Watkins

Dale Wood

Keiron Tomlin

Lewis Rees

Marc Orpin

Lee Murphy

Scott Walker

Thomas Pascoe

Dai Griggs

Lewis Allen

Jarad Jones

WALES STUDENTS (from)

CARDIFF MET

Gethin Thomas

Harry Boots

George Jenkins

Daf Green

Joey Symons

Josh Barden

Ross Morgan

Kyle Garnett

Will Poole

Ash Stephenson

Jordan Hylton

Will Astill

USW

Liam Hook

Jarad Hinnem

Cai Fitter

Ieuan Griffiths

Osian Evans

Jamie Leech

David Odemu

Aiden James

Josh Gillett

George James

Callum Jenkins

Reuben Hoare