Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
On Sunday March 3, two Wales U18s sides are set to face Scotland at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.
Head coach Richie Pugh has named his sides, who will have the opportunity to showcase their talent ahead of the Six Nations festival in Parma, Italy, later in March.
A Wales U18 Development side has been selected to play their Scottish counterparts in the curtain-raiser, which kicks off at 12.30pm.
Wales U18s meanwhile are due to kick-off later at 2.30pm. The squad to face Scotland is:
15 Jack Woods (Dragons)
14 Tom Bowen (Bristol Bears)
13 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)
12 Steffan Emanuel (Bath Rugby) *Captain
11 Joseff Jones (Cardiff Rugby)
10 Carwyn Jones (Scarlets)
9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby);
1 Dylan James (Ospreys)
2 Ruben Cummings (Gloucester)
3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
4 Sam Williams (Scarlets)
5 Dylan Alford (RGC)
6 Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)
7 Ryan Jones (Dragons)
8 Deian Gwynne (Scarlets)
Replacements
16 Thomas Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
17 George Tuckley (Dragons)
18 Alex Bosworth (Gloucester)
19 Tom Cottle (RGC)
20 Caio James (Gloucester)
21 Tudur Jones (RGC)
22 Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)
23 Jack Harrison (Bath Rugby)
Ahead of the two matches, coach Richie Pugh said: “What is great is that we have an opportunity through a development game and our capped game to see 46 players represent Wales in what is for a lot of them their first chance in a Welsh jersey.
“We’ve spoken about progression through the regions from the schools and colleges league into the regions – and now there’s an opportunity to put themselves up against some of the best nations, and Scotland is the challenge as we build towards the Six Nations festival in Parma.”
Only 26 players can be selected for the Six Nations festival, where Wales take on England, Portugal and France between March 30 and April 7.
Coach Pugh continued: “Everyone has got an opportunity; some will get capped this weekend but boys who aren’t in that line-up are still not that far away.
“Just look at the Wales U20s the other night – there were some boys who weren’t capped at U18 but are still representing U20s. Some may feel a little disappointed that they are not included in the capped game but actually there is a huge opportunity for them to showcase what they are about in the development fixture, which is why it is ideal.
“We’re in a good place after a good campaign with the schools and colleges league and the regional age grade competition and our training camps. We’re all looking forward to the challenge ahead on Sunday now.”
There are no tickets to either match, as entry is free.
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today