Wales U20 head coach Gareth Williams has named a 33-man squad for the Six Nations - which includes eight players from Dragons.
Young stars Ewan Rosser, Anuerin Owen, Dafydd Buckland, Benji Hoppe, Ben Carter, Will Griffiths, Dylan Bartlett and Brodie Coghlan are all named.
Williams describes the squad selected as a ‘well-balanced and exciting group of players’ and although there were some tough selection calls, the door isn’t entirely shut for others to force their way into Junior World Cup selection later in the year.
“We’ve been through the identification process thoroughly and it has resulted in us arriving at this stage of the Six Nations," said Williams.
"There are still a lot of players out there that are still in contention for the Junior World Cup and it’s a case of keeping that identification going while competing in this Six Nations period."
Wales begin their campaign in Colwyn Bay against Italy where Williams is eager to get his second campaign in charge under way.
“Last year was my first experience going up to North Wales and Colwyn Bay was brilliant – the two games we played had a fantastic atmosphere, there was a great welcome and facilities are exceptional so it’s great that we get an extra game up there this year,” he said.
“For myself going into my second season, I’m really excited in knowing what I am going into.
“We’ve got a fresh coaching group, Richard Kelly carries over with the forwards so that continuity is excellent but we are very fortunate as well to have two new additions in Gethin Jenkins, who will head up the defence. He’s been doing a fantastic job with the boys and obviously doing very well with Cardiff RFC and the Blues Academy.
“Richard Fussell is the new attack coach – he has a lot of experience with the Ospreys Academy and has had a lot of exposure with the Ospreys seniors supporting Matt Sherratt so it’s been good to have those guys involved.”
For Wales' home games against Italy, France and Scotland at Zipworld Stadium, terrace standing prices are unchanged from last year, with tickets £10 for adults and £5 for children (16 and under). Reserved seating is £15 for adults and £10 for children (16 and under) while there has also been a £10 concession price for reserved seating introduced for the first time.
Tickets can be purchased from venuecymru.co.uk and wru.wales/tickets
Wales U20 squad for Six Nations 2020:
Full-backs/Wings: Dan John (Millfield School), Josh Thomas (Ospreys), Ewan Rosser (Dragons), Callum Williams (Scarlets), Harri Doel (Scarlets), Ioan Lloyd (Bristol)
Centres: Bradley Roderick(Ospreys), Aneurin Owen (Dragons), Osian Knott (Scarlets)
Fly-halves: Sam Costelow (Leicester Tigers), Luke Scully (Worcester), Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Blues)
Scrum-halves: Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Met), Dafydd Buckland (Dragons)
Back row: Travis Huntley (Ospreys), Morgan Strong (Ospreys), Gwilym Bradley (Cardiff Blues), Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), Jac Morgan (Scarlets - CAPT), Benji Hoppe (Dragons)
Second Row: James Fender (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Ospreys), Ben Carter (Dragons), Jac Price (Scarlets)
Props: Theo Bevacqua (Cardiff Blues), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues), Callum Williams (Scarlets), Archie Griffin (Bath), Harri O Connor (Scarlets), Dylan Bartlett (Dragons)
Hookers: Dom Booth (Scarlets), Will Griffiths (Dragons), Brodie Coghlan (Dragons)
Wales U20 Six Nations fixtures Fixtures:
Friday 31st January 2020 Wales vs Italy, Zipworld Stadium, KO 19:35
Fri 7 February 2020 Ireland v Wales, Irish Independent Park, KO 19:15
Friday 21st February 2020 Wales vs France, Zipworld Stadium, KO 19:35
Friday 13th March 2020 Wales vs Scotland, KO 19:35
Fri 6 March 2020 England v Wales, Kingsholm KO 19:45
Ticket Prices for home games at Zipworld Stadium Terrace Standing: £10 adults / £5 children (16 & Under) Reserved Seating: £15 adults / £10 children (16 & Under) Tickets can be purchased from venuecymru.co.uk and wru.wales/tickets
Last year was my first experience going up to North Wales and Colwyn Bay was brilliant – the two games we played had a fantastic atmosphere...
