NEWPORT Gwent Dragons youngster Lloyd Lewis will make his Wales debut in the Wellington and Sydney legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 19-year-old winger from Croesyceiliog joins Cross Keys teammate Ethan Davies, Newport’s Sam Cross and Ebbw Vale’s Luke Crocker for the tournaments Down Under.

Lewis played for Wales at the World Rugby U20 Championship last summer and was a member of the Dragons squad that triumphed in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s in pre-season.

Former Dragons scrum-half Tom Isaacs, who has switched to centre since playing at Rodney Parade in 2008/9, is also called up by coach Gareth Williams.

The 28-year-old, now with Cardiff Blues, was a member of the 2009 side that lifted the Sevens World Cup in Dubai and last played for his country in the shortened format in 2010.

Wales are currently 12th in the rankings after finding the going tough in Dubai and South Africa and the draw hasn’t been kind for their trip to New Zealand next weekend.

Williams said: “We know it’s going to be a tough challenge against Argentina, Fiji and Japan – Argentina got to the Cup final and Fiji won the Plate in South Africa – but we’re looking forward to that.

“Tom will bring his significant experience to the squad while it’s clear Lloyd has all the attributes to be an excellent sevens player. Hopefully he will enjoy the experience and have a chance to show his skills in these global competitions.”

There will be quite a buzz in Wellington with All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams poised to feature for the hosts while Australia ace Quade Cooper is set to play in the Sydney leg on the first weekend of February as the build-up to the Rio Olympics intensifies.

Wales squad for Wellington and Sydney: Luke Treharne (captain), Sam Cross, Ben Roach, Luke Morgan, Lloyd Lewis, Jordan Williams, Adam Thomas, Owen Jenkins, Tom Isaacs, Kristian Phillips, Ethan Davies, Luke Crocker