Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin has confirmed his 30-man squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship being staged in Georgia between Saturday, June 27 and Friday, July 17.
Among the squad are four Scarlets players; three forwards and one back.
Named in the pack are props Jac Pritchard and Yestyn Cook (pictured) as well as second row Will Evans. Fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, who has had first-team experience in the United Rugby Championship this season, is named among the backs.
With Wales set to face attritional conditions against confrontational teams in the searing heat, Whiffin has opted for a split of 13 backs and 17 forwards.
“It’s obviously going to be hot out in Georgia so there is going to be a heavy workload for the forwards,” he explained.
“Georgia and South Africa have two heavy packs so we feel having those extra bodies in the pack, especially in the props, will give us a little bit more flexibility through the tournament.
“It is certainly a 30 that we will back – we intend to give everyone game time through the first couple of games so the boys are all able to put their hand up for the back end of the tournament.”
Will Evans has been blighted with injury over the past two seasons, but the big lock is now fighting fit and raring to go.
“I’m really pleased for him, he has taken a lot of effort and time to get back to fitness a couple of times now,” explained Whiffin.
“He got through the game against Scotland and has backed up in sessions – he’s a little bit different to our usual crop of second rows – he is a very big man and gives us a point of difference, I’m pleased for him, he is desperate to get his 20s cap”.
Wales U20 World Rugby Junior World Championship squad
Backs
Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)
Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)
Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
Brogan Leary (Dragons RFC)
Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby) Co-capt
Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)
Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)
Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)
Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
Cai Gealy (Bristol Bears)
Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)
Forwards
George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)
Dylan James (Ospreys)
Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)
James Talamai (Dragons RFC)
Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
Yestyn Cook (Scarlets)
Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)
Will Evans (Scarlets)
Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)
Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)
Deian Gwynne (Gloucester Rugby) Co-capt
Sam Morgan (Ospreys)
Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)
Caio James (Gloucester Rugby)
Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby)
Wales’ Pool Games
Sat 27th June 15:00 Wales v Georgia, Avchala Stadium
Thurs 2nd July 10:00 Wales v Uruguay, Avchala Stadium
Tues 7th July 15:00 South Africa v Wales, Avchala Stadium