A CARPENTER IS OUT TO PUT HIMSELF IN WELSH RUGBY'S SHOP WINDOW

THE World Rugby U20 Championship will not only showcase international stars of the future but will also provide an opportunity for players to put themselves in the shop window in the hope of earning a professional contract.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Sports reporter

One player who is in this boat is Wales U20s scrum-half Ellis Lewis, one of only three uncapped players in Richard Whiffin's squad. The 19-year-old, who works as a carpenter for Swansea council, was released by the Ospreys academy and has been playing his rugby for Neath in the Welsh Premiership.

Lewis is hoping to use Wales' U20s World Cup campaign to put himself in the shop window for a professional contract.

"I used to be with Ospreys but after U18s I unfortunately didn't get a contract so that's when I got a job with Swansea council doing an apprenticeship in carpentry," he said.

"I've been playing in the Premiership for Neath this season but I've signed for Swansea in the SRC.

"The dream is to get a professional contract but we will see how it goes.

"It was a tough time when I got released by the Ospreys but my family helped me get through it.