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Former Newbridge youth star Harri Ackerman has been named Wales Under-20s captain ahead of their Six Nations campaign.

He is joined in new coach Richard Whiffin’s 37-man squad by fly-half namesake Harri Ford, formerly of Senghenydd RFC’s youth teams, and ex-Caerphilly youth player Huw Anderson.

The tournament gets underway with Wales taking on Scotland in Colwyn Bay on Friday February 2.

Ackerman, who currently plays for the Dragons, will lead the team after an injury to regional teammate Ryan Woodman.

The 18-year-old has previously played for both Cross Keys and Newport RFC, and has experience playing rugby league with Wales-U17s and Aber Valley Wolves.

This season, Ackerman made his United Rugby Championship debut for the Dragons and earned a taste of European rugby in the Challenge Cup.

Ford, who currently plays for Colwyn Bay-based Premiership outfit RGC, has previously played for Dragons U18s, Cross Keys, and Bridgend Ravens.

He has also played rugby league, turning out for Wales age grade and Salford Red Devils Academy.

Senghenydd RFC’s youth section congratulated Ford on his call-up on Twitter, and said: “Super proud of your achievement. Got to be the first to go from under-6s all the way through to youth rugby. To now get the opportunity to represent Wales 20s is just outstanding.”

The duo will be joined in the squad by Dragons transition team winger Huw Anderson.

His former club, Caerphilly RFC, tweeted: “Great to see our very own Huw Anderson being named in the Wales U20s squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

“Go well – we know you’ll do everyone proud.”