By David Parsons
Last weekend both Che Hope and Joe Westwood were playing against Connacht for the Dragons in the BKT United Rugby Championship, but this Saturday they will be taking on a different challenge.
The two Wales U20 caps will be leading the charge for Newport as they attempt to reach the final of the Indigo Premiership when they host Ebbw Vale at Newport Stadium. To some it may appear to be a step down, but that’s not how either of them see it.
Former @BlackwoodRugby player Joe Westwood is the first of the Dragons next generation to put pen to paper. A midfield unit with plenty of potential that’s for sure.#WRU #URC https://t.co/015cIjYEhG
— Max Drinkwater-James (@MaxDrinkwater9) April 2, 2024
The Indigo Prem has provided a vital stepping-stone on their pathway to becoming professional players, and the Gwent derby clash with The Steelmen is pay-back time for the talented duo.
“It would be nice to get to the final, which would be good for the club. We made the semi-finals last year, so we want to go at least one better,” said Westwood.
“We got a lot of momentum at Christmas, and we’ve been very consistent this season. It’s great to have a big Gwent derby at this stage.
“I didn’t play in the games against Ebbw Vale this season, but I did play against Pontypool, and it was a really good game. A lot of us academy boys have had the chance to learn together playing at Newport.
“With the regional squads being a lot of smaller this season we’ve then had the chance to step up. There have been a lot of young backs who’ve had some regional experience at the Dragons this season.
“This is a great level of rugby for us. We get to play against a lot of other academy boys and next year it should be even better for us because the EDC will be even stronger.”
https://twitter.com/NewportRFC/status/1786429521085767735
As well as Hope and Westwood, Harri Ackerman and Oli Andrew have also had a taste of regional action this season, while Ryan Woodman and Will Reed have graduated in the past. Ebbw Vale have two current Wales U20 squad members in their ranks in Harry Rees-Weldon and Owen Conquer.
“We beat Ebbw Vale the last time we met, although they came out on the top in the first game we played this season. It will be nice to see who comes out on top this time,” said Hope.
“It has been nice to get a good run of games this season and I love playing for Newport. I’ve also had some nice exposure with the Dragons and had a couple of games for them on the back of that.
“It’s good to be playing every week and I feel I am better when I’m playing regularly. It helps to create a bit of rhythm in my game.
“I’ve been with Newport for a couple of years now and in the first season we almost won the league, last year we lost in the semis, and it would top off a great season if we could win in this year.
“I haven’t really thought too much about Ebbw Vale, we’ve just been focusing on ourselves. Hopefully, if we turn up on Saturday we can do a job on them.”
The Newport and Ebbw Vale teamsheets for the Premiership semi-final on Saturday evening.#IndigoPrem | #GwentDerby pic.twitter.com/kJU6TBL9CI
— Dragons Lair Podcast (@DragonsLairPod) May 3, 2024