Seven Scarlets have been named in the Wales squad for the forthcoming 2024 U20s Six Nations campaign.
Hooker Harry Thomas, prop Josh Morse, back-rowers Luca Giannini and Will Plessis, scrum-half Lucca Setaro and centres Macs Page (pictured) and Gabe McDonald have been selected in a 37-man group ahead of the opening match against Scotland in Colwyn Bay on February 2.
With Dragons RFC flanker Ryan Woodman ruled out with a broken thumb, team-mate Harri Ackerman has been named as captain.
The squad contains 11 players who have represented Wales at U20 level previously.
Wales have prepared for the championship with two healthy wins against Aberavon and Swansea University where a number of players impressed head coach Richard Whiffin.
“We gave pretty much all the squad the opportunity over the two games bar the boys playing for their regions, so we got to see a lot of guys play and loads of players put their hands up so ultimately it is a team picked on form,” said Whiffin.
“Against Aberavon we managed to see a lot of boys play senior rugby for the first time and they fronted up well and showed our fitness levels are strong. It was a different challenge against Swansea Uni where we gave some other players chances and that enabled me and the coaches to pick the squad and understand where the strength is. If we pick up injuries during the tournament, we know who the next cabs off the rank are.”
The coaching team has now been confirmed with Scarlets Academy head coach Scott Sneddon, Sam Hobbs and Richie Pugh joining Whiffin. Scarlets strength and conditioning coach Will Bevan is also part of the backroom team.
“I’m really pleased with the group we have put together. Scott Sneddon from the Scarlets has done a great job on our defence. He has linked up well with Mike Forshaw from the senior team ensuring we’re getting good alignment between the seniors and Under 20s,” added Whiffin.
Wales U20s Six Nations squad
FORWARDS (21): Freddie Chapman (Ospreys), Jordan Morris (Dragons), Josh Morse (Scarlets), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Evan Wood (Cardiff Met), Will Austin (Sale Sharks), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Sam Scott (Midlands Central), Patrick Nelson (RGC), Johnny Green (Harlequins), Lewis Marsh (Ospreys), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Tom Golder (Harlequins), Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), Will Plessis (Scarlets). Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Harri Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Luca Giannini (Scarlets), Morgan Morse (Ospreys), Owen Conquer (Ebbw Vale)
BACKS (16): Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby), Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys), Lucca Setarro (Scarlets), Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Harri Ford (RGC), Harri Ackerman (Dragons – CAPT), Macs Page (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Gabe McDonald (Scarlets), Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons), Walker Price (Dragons). Aiden Boschoff (Bristol Bears), Kodi Stone (Cardiff Rugby), Scott Delnevo (Aberavon), Huw Anderson (Dragons), Matty Young (Cardiff Rugby).
Fixtures
Fri 2 Feb, Wales v Scotland – Stadium CSM, KO 6.45pm
Fri 9 Feb, England v Wales, Recreation Ground, KO 7.15pm
Fri 23 Feb, Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, KO 7.15pm
Thurs 7 March, Wales v France, Cardiff Arms Park, 7.45pm
Fri 15th March, Wales v Italy, Cardiff Arms Park, 7.30pm
Tickets for Wales U20 v Scotland U20 can be bought here
Tickets for Wales U20 v France U20 can be bought here
Tickets for Wales U20 v Italy U20 can be bought here