Northampton Saints Academy's newest recruit Tommy Mathews has been named among the Wales Under-18s squad ahead of the 2019 International Series in South Africa.
Arriving in Northampton this summer after finishing his stint at Gloucester, the 18-year-old has been named in the 26-man squad for this year's competition which sees the side locking horns with South Africa Schools (9 August), South Africa Schools A (13 August) and France (17 August).
And talented goal-kicker Mathews has already represented Wales at this level - pulling on the jersey for the first time during the Six Nations championship.
Wales head coach Chris Horsman said: “When you look at our results and performances at age grade level, along with the number of players who transition successfully into regional rugby and the senior international side, we do pretty well.
“But as with everything we can do better. That’s why we’re always challenging what we’re doing in order to become truly world class.”
WALES U18 SQUAD FOR 2019 INTERNATIONAL SERIES
FORWARDS
Theo Bevacqua (Harlequins)
Oliver Burrows (Ospreys)
Ben Carter (Dragons)
James Fender (Ospreys)
Archie Griffin (Bath)
Ollie Howard (Dragons)
Travis Huntley (Ospreys)
Lewys Jones (Ospreys)
Rhodri King (Scarlets)
Alex Mann (Cardiff Blues)
Kieran Stevens (Ospreys)
Rhys Thomas (Ospreys)
Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs)
Peter Vickers (Wasps)
BACKS
Ben Burnell (Cardiff Blues)
Luke Davies (Scarlets)
Mason Grady (Cardiff Blues)
Joe Hawkins (Ospreys)
Dan John (Exiles)
Ethan Lloyd (Cardiff Blues)
Tommy Mathews (Northampton)
Carrick McDonough (Dragons)
Jake Morgan (Dragons)
Morgan Richards (Dragons)
Bradley Roderick (Ospreys)
Jake Thomas (Cardiff Blues)
U18 INTERNATIONAL SERIES FIXTURES (all times BST)
Friday 9 August 2019 – Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
12h00 SA Schools A vs France U18
13h30 England U18 vs Argentina U18
15h00 SA Schools vs Wales U18
Tuesday 13 August 2019 – Paarl Gymnasium, Paarl
12h00 SA Schools A vs Wales U18
13h30 SA Schools vs Argentina U18
15h00 England U18 vs France U18
Saturday 17 August 2019 – Hugenote High, Wellington
11h00 SA Schools A vs Argentina U18
12h30 France U18 vs Wales U18
14h00 SA Schools vs England U18
Tommy Mathews is now available for sponsorship for the 2019/20 season for just £600 (inc VAT), with the package including:
- Your company's logo in the programme under your player/coach for duration of the 19/20 season, and on the big screen (subject to player appearances)
- Your company's logo on the Saints website with a link to your business
- Opportunity to meet your player/coach at two exclusive events throughout the season
- Player's signed match worn shirt at the end of the season
For more information, email [email protected] or ring 01604 751543.
There are also a number of other players left to sponsor including Matt Proctor, Ahsee Tuala, Ben Franks, Andy Symons and more, get in touch for more information and pricing.
