Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin has named his side to face Scotland U20 at the Wern, Merthyr, on Friday (KO 12.30pm), with a strong Cardiff Rugby presence running through the matchday squad.

Several players with Cardiff connections return to the national setup and have been names in the starting XV, including captain Tom Cottle, Sion Davies, Osian Darwin-Lewis, and Rhys Cummings, while Callum Donaghue-Proud and Joseff Jones also make the bench.

Whiffin stressed the value of bringing back experienced players as Wales build towards the U20 Six Nations.

“We’ve got a lot of boys coming back in from last year that we want to gain more experience, and a few new guys who will get their first taste of U20 rugby leading into the Six Nations,” said Whiffin.

“They know the way we want to play and the intensity U20 rugby demands. Having a core group from last year supporting the younger players gives us a strong blend going into the Six Nations.”

At the heart of that leadership group is Cardiff Tom Cottle, who once again captains the side. Whiffin praised the young Locks influence on and off the pitch.

“Tom played really well for us last year, as he brought huge energy but also a calm presence. He’s a lineout leader and really understands our game plan, which complements the game drivers around him.”

Wales U20 v Scotland U20

The Wern, Merthyr RFC

Fri 12 Dec, KO 12.30

Starting XV

15 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)

14 Evan Morris (Bristol Bears)

13 Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)

12 Luc Anfield (Bath University)

11 Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)

10 Carwyn Leggat-Jones (Scarlets)

9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)

1 George Tuckley (Dragons)

2 Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)

3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)

4 Oscar Rees (Gloucester)

5 Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby – Capt)

6 Osian Williams (Scarlets)

7 Ryan Jones (Dragons)

8 Evan Minto (Dragons)

Replacements – Cardiff Rugby players in bold

16 James Talamai (Dragons)

17 George Leyland (Bristol Bears)

18 Callum Donaghue-Proud (Cardiff Rugby)

19 Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)

20 Joe Denman (Scarlets)

21 Cerrig Smith (Dragons)

22 Ellis Lewis (Swansea RFC)

23 Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)

24 Tom Williams (Scarlets)

25 Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)

26 Joseff Jones (Cardiff Rugby)