Pontypool wing Lewis hunting Wales Sevens return

The 23-year-old winger from Croesyceiliog was making his mark in both forms of the game when the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Lewis' exploits with Pooler had earned a return to the World Rugby Sevens Series with Wales for the tournaments in Los Angeles and Vancouver.

The speedster impressed, crossing for four tries, but was swiftly stopped in his tracks by the Covid-19 crisis that led to the cancellation of the legs in London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong.

"I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to the rest of the season," said Lewis. "I went away with the sevens when I was with the Dragons academy but this time I felt a lot better.

"I've got more experience and I'm a much better player and it was good to get the chance to show what I can do.

"I was slightly apprehensive because the fitness is crazy in sevens but that was alright and it all went so well, scoring four tries.

"I felt like it was the start of something and it's a shame that I didn't get the chance to see the season out and build on it.

"It's a hard situation at the moment and it's all up in the air with the sevens but hopefully I will be back."

A number of sevens internationals have used the World Series to earn professional contracts, most recently winger Owen Jenkins at the Dragons.

Lewis has starred with Pontypool – scoring 29 tries in 32 games – and his pace is sure to catch the eye if more chances come in the shortened game in Olympic year.

"I think that I could do it but it's just about getting the opportunities because I have been away from the pro game," said Lewis, who won the Singha Premiership 7s with the Dragons but never made a senior outing.

"I don't think that I've had the chance to show what I can do and that's why the sevens was so good, it was an opportunity to be back in the shop window.

"That's why it's so frustrating with Pontypool as well, because I could score loads of tries but nobody would really take any notice because it's in the Championship.

"When we are in the Premiership I know that I'll be doing the same thing. I need to get back showing people what I can do."

Lewis played in Welsh rugby's top flight with Cross Keys and was hoping to be doing the same in 2020/21 with Pooler.

They were in a strong position to return to the Premiership with the Welsh Rugby Union cancelled the season, although second-placed Bargoed still had a say.

The club are now waiting to hear what the governing body's plans are for the next campaign.

"It was gutting," he said. "We put in a really good shift and were in a strong position but it couldn't be helped.

"We'll have the same goal when we start again – nothing has changed and there is no doubt in my mind that we will go up."