Ebbw Vale sign Wales Sevens international Dafydd Smith

The Steelmen are still waiting for the green light to return to action in the Premiership with the Welsh Rugby Union stating in midweek that the community game would not be back before November.

Nonetheless, Ebbw have been plotting for the coming campaign and have added to their options at outside centre with speedster Smith.

The 21-year-old from Penarth came through the ranks at Cardiff Blues and played in the U20 Six Nations in 2018 before making his Wales Sevens debut in Hong Kong that year.

Smith has played in 51 matches in the World Rugby Sevens Series, scoring four tries, and was a WRU core player but will return to the 15-a-side game after the shortened format was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Dafydd impressed on the 7s circuit with his pace, step and ball handling. He is confident of transferring his skill set to the 15-a-side arena,” read the announcement from the Steelmen.

“In the 13 shirt, Dafydd will add to the Steelmen’s strike power behind the scrum and the coaching group are confident he will become a firm favourite of the Ebbw Addicts.”

Head coach Greg Woods had previously retained the core of his squad and strengthened with a raft of summer signings.

Now Smith will try to make an impact at Eugene Cross Park and provide a threat in the outside channels.

“I’m excited at returning to the 15s game and delighted to get the opportunity to play at a prestigious club in Ebbw Vale,” he said.

Number eight Ethan Doyle, a 2016 title winner with the Steelmen, has returned and incoming are back rowers Alex Grey and Scott Parsons, lock Kyle Evans and tighthead Scott Evans.

The Steelmen signed wing Jordan Thomas, who caught the eye with Pontypool in the Championship, and scrum-half Scott Gibson to go along with the backs that ensured a strong start to 2020.

Ebbw will be captained by Joe Franchi after the hooker was chosen to replace lock and stalwart Ashley Sweet, who has left for a new challenge.