Cardiff Rugby’s pathway will be well represented when Wales U19 take on England U19 tomorrow afternoon at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach (KO 3pm).

Head coach Richard Whiffin has named Rhys Cummings at full-back and centre Bailey Cutts in the starting XV, with lock Gabe Williams included among the replacements, underlining Cardiff’s continued contribution to the national age-grade set-up.

Dragons back row Cerrig Smith will captain the side in what is set to be a competitive derby encounter, as Wales face their closest rivals in the final opportunity for players to impress ahead of Six Nations selection.

“It’s always a good challenge to play against England,” said Whiffin. “The boys will be up for it and it’s great to have them come over the bridge and take us on at Ystrad Mynach.

“It’s been a short week but a good one, bringing the group back together. For a lot of these boys, this is a last chance to put their hand up for Six Nations selection, so it’s an important game both in terms of preparation and opportunity.”

Seven players in the starting XV are currently attached to English clubs, with a further three named on the bench, creating an added edge to the fixture as teammates go head-to-head.

“We appreciate the cooperation from the English clubs in releasing the players,” Whiffin added. “They’re playing against their mates this week, which brings a bit of inter-club rivalry and will add some spice to the game.”

With the Wales U20 Six Nations training squad set to assemble in the New Year, Whiffin has been clear about what is at stake.

“I made that pretty clear at the beginning of the week,” he said. “We’ve tracked them all year, but there’s nothing better than a test match to really see how players react under pressure.”

Friday’s fixture offers Cardiff’s young prospects another chance to test themselves on the international stage, continuing the club’s strong presence within the Welsh age-grade pathway.

Wales U19 team:

15 Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)

14 Rhys Cole (Dragons)

13 Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)

12 Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)

11 Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)

10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)

9 Luca Woodyatt (Gloucester Rugby)

1 George Leyland (Bristol Bears)

2 Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)

3 Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)

4 Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)

5 Luke Evans (Bristol Bears)

6 Cerrig Smith (Dragons, capt)

7 Sam Morgan (Ospreys)

8 Alex Ridgeway (Bath Rugby)

Replacements:

16 Evan Gallagher (Bath Rugby)

17 Hudson Nevin (Scarlets)

18 Nathan Davies (Dragons)

19 Gabe Williams (Cardiff Rugby)

20 Tiehi Chatham (Dragons)

21 Alfie Thomas (Ospreys)

22 Carter Pritchard (Dragons)

23 Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)

24 Jack Harrison (Bath Rugby)

25 Morgan Carter (Dragons)

26 Noah Morgan (Dragons)

27 Tomos Evans (Gloucester Rugby)