Owen is first apprentice (From Free Press Series)

Owen is first apprentice

THE Torfaen Community Rugby initiative has announced its first ever apprentice - New Panteg and Gwent Dragons U16 forward Owen Davies.

Owen becomes the first rugby apprentice of his kind at regional rugby level in Wales and will benefit from expert coaching with Pontypool Rugby Club.

It is hoped the 15-year-old will become the first in a long line of apprentices in Torfaen with the aim of grooming Wales' rugby players of tomorrow.

Explaining the scheme community development officer Tony Clarke said: "We are trying to promote the game throughout Torfaen with all the support of all the local clubs. We have recently formed a structure for the initiative to push it forward throughout the borough.

"We have the support of the Gwent Dragons as well and are the first region in Welsh rugby to initiate a project of this kind."

The project has been supported by a number of local and national companies. They include retailers Wilkinsons, Torfaen Salvage, The Morrant Group and JM Plumbing who donated a computer.

Fans at Pontypool's recent game against Cross Keys also chipped in with cash donations.

As well as grooming young apprentices Torfaen Community Rugby is also promoting a junior clubman of the month award starting at the end of this month.

Local clubs will be able to nominate a young player who has stood out among their team mates. The overall winner will receive a trophy and sports bag.