RGC forward Sam Wainwright has praised the growth of rugby in the region after winning his first international cap.

The tighthead was part of the Wales U20 side that secured an impressive 36-3 victory over Scotland at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay, and the Rhyl and District product testaments his success to the work being done by Gogs’ head coach Mark Jones and assistant Phil John.

He said: "I was a late starter, but I've benefited from the help of a lot of good people.

"Whether that be at Rhyl, college or at RGC. Once Mark Jones and Phil John came to RGC they brought a structure and patterns to our play, which has made us a strong side."

"For a few years, rugby was overshadowed, but thanks to the hard work of a lot of players and coaches, the region has been pushed forward. I'm just lucky enough that I was at an age where in my first year at RGC they made it into the Premiership."

Wainwright has also paid tribute to Rhun Williams, who was the last RGC player to win a cap for the U20s and has since gone on to make a name for himself as part of the Cardiff Blues set-up.

"Rhun has given a lot of players here hope, making them realise it is possible,"he added.

"Players like Afon Bagshawe and Dion Jones helped to set the bar for us, and Rhun showed that just because we're so far away, it doesn't mean we're off the radar.

“My parents have played a massive role in everything I've done, and I'm grateful to have a good family behind me, including my sisters.

"Being down in South Wales a lot has been tough, but they've always backed me when I thought it wasn't possible."

Wales U20 assistant coach Chris Horsman, added: "Sam's coaches in North Wales had nothing but good things to say about him. He's fit in well with the squad and got his head down and worked hard."

“He’s got a good frame for a tighthead, and he's in physically good condition. Sam’s got a willingness to learn and he's improving steadily as we move forward."