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

Ahead of Wales U20s trip to South Africa, head coach Richard Whiffin has announced his squad to face New Zealand, Spain, and France, later this month.

The championships are due to kick-off on Saturday June 29, with Dragons back row Ryan Woodman set to lead the players out.

Fellow Dragons teammates Harri Ford, formerly of Senghenydd RFC’s youth teams, and ex-Caerphilly youth player Huw Anderson, also make the squad.

The side to travel to South Africa:

Forwards

Jordan Morris (Dragons)
Josh Morse (Scarlets)
Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby)
Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
Isaac Young (Scarlets)
Will Austin (Sale Sharks)
Kian Hire (Ospreys)
Sam Scott (Bristol)
Jonny Green (Harlequins)
Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC)
Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers)
Ryan Woodman (Dragons RFC)
Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby)
Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers)
Morgan Morse (Ospreys)
Owen Conquer (Dragons RFC)

Backs

Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby)
Rhodri Lewis (Opsreys)
Lucca Setaro (Scarlets)
Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby)
Harri Ford (Dragons RFC)
Macs Page (Scarlets)
Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby)
Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby)
Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Rugby)
Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC)
Kodie Stone (Cardiff RFC)
Huw Anderson (Dragons RFC)
Matty Young (Cardiff Rugby)

Speaking after the announcement, coach Whiffin said: “Yesterday was a tough day, telling players who have worked incredibly hard that they haven’t made the plane.

“There were obviously some tough conversations but to be fair they’ve reacted well and the group have got tight around them and picked them up. But that is the nature of the job.”

Wales’ first group game will be against New Zealand at the Athlone Sports Stadium on Saturday June 29.

Whiffin continued: “We have got power throughout the team with genuine athletes in all areas of the field.

“The way we want to play is to move the ball and express ourselves in the wider channels – hopefully we have a team who can be competitive in what is an extremely competitive pool.”

Wales’ other two group matches will be against Spain on Thursday July 4, and France on Tuesday July 9.