Eight Cardiff players have been named in the matchday squad for Saturday evening’s clash with Ireland at Virgin Media Park, in the penultimate round of the 2026 U20 Six Nations (KO 7.45pm).
Head coach Richard Whiffin has selected seven Blue & Blacks in the starting XV as Wales look to build on their victory over Scotland.
Among the changes this week, Lloyd Lucas comes into the side at fly-half and Osian Darwin-Lewis starts at outside centre, joining fellow Cardiff backs Rhys Cummings, Tom Bowen, Steffan Emanuel and Siôn Davies in the starting XV.
Hooker Tom Howe continues in the front row, while Bailey Cutts provides Cardiff representation among the replacements after scoring on his debut in the previous round against Scotland.
The Wales U20 head coach said competition within the squad has been fierce throughout the championship.
“It’s a tough tournament and there has been lots of good performances from our squad in training,” said Whiffin. “There has been an opportunity for guys either on the bench or that start to make their mark. It also gives us a chance to look at other guys in the squad.”
Wales face a stern test against an Ireland side that impressed in the previous round and boast a formidable record at Virgin Media Park since making the Cork venue their home in 2019.
Ireland have won 13 of their 15 U20 Six Nations matches there, suffering only two defeats during that period.
Whiffin is expecting a well-drilled opposition but believes his side are ready for the challenge.
“Ireland are always a well organised team, they have a good set piece and they look to build multi-phase against you with lots of options so we’ll have to be on our mettle with a good connected defence,” he explained.
“From an attack point of view they have plenty of line speed so our ability to move the ball under pressure is going to be important.”
Despite results not always reflecting performances, Whiffin believes his group still has more to give heading into the closing stages of the championship.
“We’ve put three good performances together and we could easily be sitting on slightly better results.
“The strength of the group is we’re tight and connected and know there is more in them. We spoke as a group about the opportunity to go to Cork and get a win in what is a formidable away venue.”
Ireland U20 v Wales U20 – Virgin Media Park, Cork.
Saturday 7 March | Kick-off 19:45
Starting XV
- George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)
- Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
- Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
- Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
- Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)
- Deian Gwynne (Gloucester – co-captain)
- Caio James (Gloucester)
- Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)
- Siôn Davies (Cardiff Rugby)
- Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
- Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
- Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby – co-captain)
- Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
- Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
- Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)
Replacements
- Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)
- George Leyland (Bristol Bears)
- Yestyn Cook (Scarlets)
- Oscar Rees (Gloucester)
- Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)
- Carter Pritchard (Dragons RFC)
- Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)
- Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)