Steff Emanuel says he is excited to take the next step in his Cardiff Rugby career as he prepares for his final appearance in Wales Under-20 colours.

The talented centre will line up against Scotland in Friday’s World Rugby U20 Championship fifth-place play-off in Tbilisi, with Wales aiming to secure their highest finish at the tournament since 2013.

Emanuel has played a leading role throughout the campaign, featuring in every fixture and making starts against Georgia, South Africa and Australia, while also crossing for two tries after coming off the bench against Uruguay.

Once international duty comes to an end, the 20-year-old will turn his full attention to pre-season with the Blue and Blacks, determined to build on the valuable experience he gained during his breakthrough senior campaign.

After making his Cardiff debut against Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2024, Emanuel has gone on to make six more appearances for the side, as well as scoring his first senior try away to Ulster last season.

The academy graduate believes the transition from age-grade rugby into the senior environment is a crucial stage of his development.

“It’s a big year to come out of the under-20s into the next block, that first year is almost career-defining.

“It’s a big jump, but something that I am looking forward to and hopefully I can kick on.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play some games for Cardiff and now I’ll look to get a few more minutes under my belt.”

Several Cardiff players have featured prominently for Wales during the tournament, with Osian Darwin-Lewis partnering Emanuel in the centre, and Tom Bowen and Rhys Cummings providing pace out wide.

Emanuel believes training alongside experienced internationals at the Arms Park has accelerated his development.

“As an inside centre I was fortunate to have Ben Thomas and Rory Jennings to learn from and then Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd inside, plus players like Harry Millard outside.

“I am surrounded by all these top players and you try to learn as much as you possibly can from them.”

He also paid tribute to former Cardiff and Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo, who remains closely involved with the club following his move into the coaching set-up.

“To have someone like Rey still around the building is fantastic and I have loved picking his brains, which he probably hates me for!

“He is someone that I can talk to quite easily if I have any questions or doubts; he is such a top bloke and is massive for the development of us young boys.”

Wales make two changes for Friday’s meeting with Scotland. Cardiff back-row Tom Cottle comes into the starting side, with co-captain Deian Gwynne shifting to No.8, while George Leyland starts at loose-head prop.

The match kicks off at 5.30pm (BST), with Wales looking to complete an impressive tournament by securing fifth place.