The next generation of Welsh talent has a golden opportunity to put their hands up for Wales U18 men’s selection this weekend in Scotland - and nine Dragons young stars are named.
Head coach Richie Pugh has named a 38-strong development squad to tackle Scotland at the DAM Health Stadium in Murrayfield as his preparations for the U18s Six Nations Festival to be staged in Dublin next month gathers momentum.
Pugh will select two squads – the Druids and Celts – for two games on Sunday which kick off at midday and 1.45pm in the shadows of Murrayfield Stadium.
Nick Thomas (Dragons/Hartpury), Guy Thomas (Dragons/Monmouth), Ryan Jones (Dragons/West Monmouth), Evan Minto (Dragons/Hartpury), Jack Woods (Dragons/Monmouth), Oli Woodman (Dragons/Monmouth), Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons/Coleg Gwent), Ioan Duggan (Dragons/Cwm Rhymney) and Dray Jack-Griffin (Dragons/Newport High) are selected.
“It’s kick-starting our preparation for the Under 18s competition campaign after what has been a successful national Schools and College block into intense Regional U18s competition,” said Pugh, who is in his first year as U18s head coach.
“The best players have been highlighted and it’s great to be able to pull them together and see them up against international opposition in Scotland,” he added.
Of the 38 players named, seven were capped last year while 20 further players have been involved since the summer’s development camp under the eye of Matt O’Brien and Sam Hobbs.
“It’s a competitive group,” said Pugh. “We have to eventually narrow the numbers down to 26 for the Six Nations Festival so I just want to see how the boys express themselves on the international stage”.
“For some of the players this is the first stage of their international careers, so it is a great opportunity to develop and grow and gain vital experience at this level,” said Pugh.
WRU head of player development, John Alder, added: “We’re excited to welcome back Dragons Academy Coach Sam Hobbs to Richie’s coaching team for this year’s U18s programme along with former Wales wing, and Coleg y Cymoedd Head of Rugby Gareth Wyatt.
“We’re confident this intentional blend of expertise and experience from two key parts of the pathway – our schools and colleges and our regional academies – will optimise the development of the group over this year’s programme.”
“I’d like to thank both the Regions and our schools and colleges for their ongoing support in developing players in this critical phase of the pathway, as showcased by this cohort of players selected for the wider U18s programme.”
Wales U18s Development squad vs Scotland U18s, Sunday 5 March
Forwards
Ioan Emanuel (Bath/Millfield)
Dylan James (Ospreys/ Bridgend College)
Max Bignall (Cardiff Rugby/Whitchurch)
Ethan Say (RGC/Llandrillo)
Owain James (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Sam Scott (Wasps/City of Oxford College)
Saul Hurley (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Evan Wood (Cardiff Rugby/Cymoedd)
Harry Thomas (Scarlets/Coleg Sir Gar)
Will Evans (Scarlets/Llandovery)
Luke Evans (Cardiff Rugby/Y Pant)
Gethin Howell (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Nick Thomas (Dragons/Hartpury)
Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol/Cymoedd)
Guy Thomas (Dragons/Monmouth)
Jaden Wilkins (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Ryan Jones (Dragons/West Monmouth)
Keanu Evans (Scarlets/Strade)
Kane James (Sedbergh/Newcastle)
Harry Beddall (Cardiff Rugby/Hartpury)
Evan Minto (Dragons/Hartpury)
Backs
Charlie Rainbird (Gloucester/Hartpury)
Max Fergusson (Exiles/Exeter)
Owain Paskell (Cardiff Rugby/Whitchurch)
Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby/Cymoedd)
Jack Woods (Dragons/Monmouth)
Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets/Hartpury)
Osian Roberts (Sale/Kirkham)
Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby/Millfeild)
Tom Hughes (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby/CAVC)
Oli Woodman (Dragons/Monmouth)
Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons/Coleg Gwent)
Ioan Duggan (Dragons/Cwm Rhymney)
Aidan Boshoff (Bristol/Clifton)
Dray Jack-Griffin (Dragons/Newport High)
Ben Evans (Ospreys/Brynteg)
Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby/Clifton)
