Wales boast ‘best u20 side in years’ ahead of Rugby World Cup campaign

Local TV Sport

Richard Whiffin has named what many believe to be the strongest Wales U20s squad in years for this summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. Despite a tough pool featuring Argentina, France and Spain, Wales will be confident after an impressive U20 Six Nations campaign with wins over England, Ireland and Italy.

Transcript

00:00Richard Wyffin has named what many believe to be the strongest Wales Under-20s squad

00:07in years for this summer's World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy.

00:14Despite a tough pull featuring Argentina, France and Spain, Wales will be confident

00:19after an impressive Under-26 Nations campaign with wins over England, Ireland and Italy.

00:25Outstanding flanker Harry Bedell continues as captain while Dragons second row Nick Thomas

00:30returns from injury.

00:32Ten players are based outside of Wales including Exeter Chiefs lock Luke Evans who recently

00:37switched allegiances from England.

00:41Exciting prospects include Cardiff wing Tom Bowen, Bristol speedster Aidan Boshoff, centre

00:46Stefan Emanuel and props loan Emanuel and Sam Scott.

00:52Scarlet hooker Harry Thomas is also one to watch.

00:56Wales warmed up with a narrow defeat to England and a convincing win over Italy.

01:01Wyffin believes the squad has a powerful forward pack and a clear identity in how they want

01:06to play with a strong emphasis on set-piece dominance and attacking flair.

01:13One notable absence is Osprey's back row Morgan Morse who was tipped for Wales' senior summer

01:17tour to Japan.

01:19Despite being eligible for the Under-20s World Cup he's been given the summer off to recharge.

01:26A prodigious talent, Morse has already made headlines with a stunning long-range try against

01:32Cardiff and is expected to be a key figure for the Ospreys in 2025-26.

01:39Wyffin believes a full pre-season will benefit him greatly noting that Morse has been in consistent

01:45action the past three years and now will be able to build physically and mentally for

01:50the challenges ahead.

01:52Meanwhile, the search for the next Wales senior head coach continues.

01:58Steve Tandy remains in contention despite Gregor Townsend stating the Scot isn't leaving.

02:04Other candidates include Simon Easterby and Franco Smith as new performance director Dave Reddin

02:11and continues the recruitment process.

Category

Transcript

Recommended