The d4T Preseli Babas kicked off the 7s season with a solid performance at the Ultimate Rugby 7s Championships in Guildford last weekend.

It was the side's first time competing in the event and the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs before a trip abroad this weekend to the Costa Blanca 7s. The Babbas will be competing in the Elite competition against numerous international opposition as well as highly established invitational sides. 

With a number of key players missing though injury or unavailability such as regular skipper Amir Walji, last seasons player of the year, Alun Evans and Aled Rees - the depth of the Babas' squad was tested.

There was a last minute call up for the experienced Gwion Jones, who has played most of his 7s with the Ramblin Jesters as well as being involved in the Welsh development setup. Joining Gwion was Belgium Barbarian Emilio Binst - further demonstration of the pulling power of the team amidst a growing reputation on the circuit.

There was also a debut for live-wire Tata Steel scrum half Steffan Davies, but unfortunately injury ended his tournament early, although he is expected to be fit for matches this weekend. 

The Babas welcomed back former rugby league international Osian Phillips and made good progress in the group with a notable victory over Apache.

That set up a Cup semi final against the Wailers, a repeat of the 2018 Heart of Wales 7s semi final - but this time around the Wailers were the better side and duly progressed. 

There were plenty of positives for the Babas though and with players returning this weekend - they'll be looking to make a big impact in Costa Blanca.

Squad for UR 7s: Osian Phillips, Gareth Owens (capt - 10th tournament), James Vecchio, Rhys Jones, Ben White (10th tournament), Huw Alexander, Ben Barnett (10th tournament), Laurence Headlam, Barnie Moul, Steffan Davies*, Gwion Jones*, Emilio Binst*.

Squad for Costa Blanca 7s: Aled Rees, Gareth Owens (capt), Osian Phillips, Rhys Jones, Dafydd Phillips*, Huw Alexander, Alun Evans, James Vecchio, Laurence Headlam, Barnie Moul, Steffan Davies, Amir Jiwa-Walji. Travelling reserves: Dafydd Rotie, Jacob Lewis.

*Debutants.