Jenkins ready for a Blues tilt at sevens title

OWEN Jenkins cannot wait to put himself to the test against Premiership Rugby’s best after the Cardiff Blues secured their place at the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series final at the Ricoh Arena today.

The Blues caused a surprise to top Group A at their own BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, qualifying alongside the Ospreys, while Scarlets and holders Newport Gwent Dragons were knocked out.

The two successful regions made it through to the showpiece at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena today by progressing from the Welsh qualifying leg at the Arms Park.

They will be joined there by Sale, Exeter, Northampton, Harlequins, Wasps and Newcastle who qualified through tournaments in England.

The Blues’ youthful side captured the home fans imagination with their free-flowing rugby, and 23-year-old Jenkins is now eager to show they can do the same against the six Premiership Rugby outfits.

“It will be nice to go there, it’s a great stadium and it’ll be fantastic to come up against the best of the Premiership and see what we have to offer,” said Jenkins.

“We didn’t expect to get this far, so coming up against one of the best rugby leagues in the world, one of the richest and most supported will be a fantastic experience, but we won’t just be there to make up the numbers.

“We showed we were the best 7s players on the night in Cardiff, even if we aren’t the most experienced team, but the willingness to dig in and the character we showed was a huge credit to the boys. That’s what we want to take with us to the finals.”

CARDIFF BLUES: Adam Thomas (capt), Ben Roach, Morgan Sienawski, Luke Crocker, Joe Tomlinson, Ceri Young, Owen Jenkins, James Beale, Johnny Lewis, Ethan Davies, Aron Wyn Evans, Declan Williams.

OSPREYS: Joseph Scrivens, Steff Andrews (capt), Matthew Aubrey, Chris Knight, Jonathan Phillips, Tom O’Flaherty, Morgan Williams, David Evans, Joe Gage, Mike Sully, Alex Dunham, Andrew Claypole.

The Singha Premiership Rugby 7s kicked off on 22 July at Cardiff Arms Park with the Finals at the Ricoh Arena today. For tickets and details visit premiershiprugby. com/singha7stickets