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Wales men’s U18s rugby union head coach Richie Pugh has named his squad to travel to Ireland and take part in a series of warm-up matches.

The U18s, who last season beat Scotland U18s at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, will face teams from Scotland, Italy, and hosts Ireland next week.

Ahead of the trip to the IRFU National High Performance Centre in Dublin, coach Pugh said: “It’s the start of our programme and a repeat of last year when we hosted Ireland, Italy and Scotland, but this time it’s in Ireland for what is our first touch point with the boys.

“It’s an early selection and a good opportunity for the boys to showcase what they are about and a chance to introduce them to the U18s programme as we look forward to another good season culminating in a Six Nations at Easter.

“It’s going to be a great week on the outskirts of Dublin and we’re very much looking forward as coaches to getting a first look at the boys.

“We want to challenge the boys, we want them to be exposed to what the international environment is all about.”

Squad:

Forwards:

Dylan Baratt (Cardiff Rugby)
Sam Bryant (Gloucester)
Tiehi Chatham (Dragons RFC)
Ruben Cummings (Gloucester)
Nathan Davies (Scarlets)
Thomas Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
Kai Jones (Scarlets)
Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)
Sonny McCabe (Cardiff Rugby)
Alfie Prygodzicz (Cardiff Rugby)
Gruff Roberts (Ospreys)
Joe Ryder (RGC)
Cerrig Smith (Dragons RFC)
Noah Williams (Ospreys)
Osian Williams (Bristol Rugby)
Sam Williams (Scarlets)

Backs:

Tyler Davies (Scarlets)
Calen Edwards  (Cardiff Rugby)
Ben Evans (Ospreys)
Tomos Evans (Gloucester)
William Ford (Dragons RFC)
Jack Harrison (Bath Rugby)
Thomas Incledon (Exiles)
Carwyn Jones (Scarlets)
Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
Osian Llewelyn (RGC)
Will Moore (Bristol Rugby)
David Petrescu (Dragons RFC)
Carter Pritchard (Dragons RFC)
Harry Turner (Cardiff Rugby)
Luca Woodyatt (Gloucester)

All teams are set to play three matches on Friday August 9.