Cardiff Rugby have been strongly represented in the Wales U20 men’s extended training squad, with a number of the club’s brightest young talents named ahead of next Friday’s clash with Cardiff RFC at the Arms Park.
Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin has selected a 45-strong group as preparations step up for the upcoming U20s Six Nations campaign, with the fixture against Cardiff RFC (Friday 16 January, KO 7.30pm) serving as a final audition for players aiming to secure a place in the championship squad.
Among those selected are Tom Howe, Tom Cottle, Lloyd Lucas, Steffan Emanuel, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Baily Cutts, Tom Bowen, Joseff Jones and Rhys Cummings, highlighting the strength of Cardiff Rugby’s pathway and age-grade development.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Whiffin described the camp as a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for selection.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to get time in with the boys in preparation before we begin the Six Nations. It’s an opportunity for those guys to put their hands up before we whittle the squad down.”
He also praised Cardiff RFC for providing a stern test at a key stage of preparation.
“We’re incredibly grateful Cardiff have taken the fixture with us. It’s a very good senior outfit and should be a real solid test for the boys leading into the Six Nations.”
Cardiff RFC head coach Dan Fish is looking forward to the occasion at Cardiff Arms Park and the opportunity it presents for both squads.
“It will be a good occasion welcoming the 20s to the Arms Park. It’s always good to see the next generation of talent and it will be good to see some familiar faces.”
“It’s great for us to have a good hit out leading into the Ebbw Vale game and facing a different challenge that we are not used to.”
“It’s great to see so many players named from Cardiff in the 20s squad and it also gives boys who haven’t featured as much as they would have liked for us some valuable game time.”
“We have got all our experienced semi-pro players available for the game, with a sprinkling of the next generation of talent on the block.”
The match at Cardiff Arms Park offers Cardiff supporters a chance to see the next generation of Welsh talent in action, with several Blue & Blacks prospects set to feature on home turf.
Wales U20 Extended Training Squad
Loosehead props:
George Tuckley (Dragons)
George Leyland (Bristol)
Dylan James (Ospreys)
Hudson Nevin (Scarlets)
Hookers:
Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
James Talamai (Dragons)
Oscar Thomas (Bath)
Keanu Evans (Scarlets)
Tighthead props:
Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
Isaac Godfrey (Exeter)
Yestyn Cook (Scarlets)
Nathan Davies (Dragons)
Locks:
Will Evans (Scarlets)
Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
Osian Williams (Bristol)
Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)
Oscar Rees (Gloucester)
Gabe Williams (Cardiff)
Back row:
Deian Gwynne (Gloucester)
Osian Williams (Scarlets)
Cerrig Smith (Dragons)
Caio James (Gloucester)
Sam Morgan (Ospreys)
Joe Denman (Scarlets)
Dom Kussuth (Scarlets)
Evan Minto (Dragons)
Alex Ridgway (Bath)
Scrum halves:
Sion Davies (Cardiff)
Carter Pritchard (Dragons)
Luca Woodyatt (Gloucester)
Outside halves:
Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)
Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)
Centres:
Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
Luc Anfield (Bath University)
Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)
Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
Baily Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)
Wings:
Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
Evan Morris (Bristol)
Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
Joseff Jones (Cardiff Rugby)
Rhys Cole (Dragons)
Full-backs:
Jack Woods (Bath Rugby)
Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)