Two youngsters sign up to West Wales for 2019

West Wales have signed Dan Maiden and Ryan Shallish for the 2019 season.

Maiden has represented Wales at Under-18s level and has previously been involved with the Raiders, but he found chances limited due to injuries.

Shallish has played for Wales’ national deaf side in rugby union and has been offered a contract for next year after impressing on a recent trial.

Raiders’ coach Kim Williams commented: “I am very pleased to have signed both Dan and Ryan for 2019 as I believe they will bring a level of toughness and a strong work ethic that will add balance to our forward pack.

“Dan has been a part of the Raiders previously, but a knee injury prevented him from playing in 2018. He looks to have returned to the squad even more determined to make his mark in 2019. Dan’s training performance so far has been of the highest standard and I am really looking forward to seeing him rip into the opposition once the season commences.

“Ryan has also been very impressive during our initial pre-season training phase. He is a beast in the gym and is extremely highly to make our 17-man squad for round one. Ryan was a standout performer at our open trial in October and I am encouraged by his development throughout the first five weeks of our training program. He is a player to watch in 2019.”