TWO north Pembrokeshire players represented the Wales Under-18s sevens side in the European International Tournament in Heidelberg, Germany, last month.

Captain Gethin Davies and Alex Varney were in the side that reached the semi-finals, before going down 19-12 in a thrilling clash with eventual winners Ireland.

The tournament is designed to provide young players with a pathway towards the senior men’s European Grand Prix Series – and eventually the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Flanker Gethin, from Cwm Gwaun, is a former Preseli pupil and ex-captain of Wales Under-16s.

Now at Coleg Sir Gâr, he has enjoyed a strong start to the season, chosen as captain for the Scarlets Under-18s for the 2017/18 campaign.

Meanwhile it was the first time that Ysgol y Preseli pupil Alex, a centre and winger with the Scarlets Under-18s, had represented his country.

“I am really proud and honoured to have represented Wales,” he said.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to participate and playing for Wales was far beyond what I’d imagined.’’

The youngster from Rhoshill has certainly enjoyed a fine start to the season, scoring nine tries in Scarlets and Pembrokeshire Schools matches so far.

But recent rugby success doesn’t end there for the Varney family, with Stephen, the younger brother of Alex, being selected for the Gloucester Under-18s Elite Squad.

The scrum half was spotted playing for Ysgol y Preseli in the Welsh Schools Under-16s final last April, and subsequently took part in a rugby trial day at Hartpury College with 150 other players.

He was selected in a group of 26 players by Alex Guest and Rich Whiffin, Gloucester Academy Coaches, and was asked to attend further training in July and August.

And after taking part in two academy games against Ayr and Ulster, Stephen is now studying a Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Sport at Hartpury College, and is already in the first team squad in the English College Leagues.

Father Adrian Varney, who was out in Germany to watch son Alex play sevens for Wales, said the influence of Ysgol y Preseli PE teachers Marc Lloyd and Gethin Vobe, along with Crymych RFC Under-16s coach Pete Nicholas, had helped both his sons considerably with their rugby development.