Cardiff Rugby will be strongly represented when Wales U20 kick off their 2026 U20 Six Nations campaign against England at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, on Friday evening (KO 7.45pm).

Head coach Richard Whiffin has named a squad featuring seven Cardiff Rugby players, underlining the club’s continued contribution to the national pathway at age-grade level.

Among those selected, Steffan Emanuel has been handed co-captaincy duties and will start in the center, while fellow Cardiff backs Sion Davies, Tom Bowen, Osian Darwin-Lewis, and Rhys Cummings are all named in the starting XV. Tom Howe is also included in the starting pack at hooker.

In the forward pack, Tom Cottle is set to make his impact from the bench, while Lloyd Lucas provides further Cardiff Rugby representation among the replacements.

Nine players in the starting XV have already represented Wales at U20 level, with Whiffin keen for that experience to help guide the newer faces through the opening test of the championship.

“The tournament is tough and it is a big step up for the boys,” he added. “Those who have experienced the occasion and the physicality before will certainly help the new players out.”

Wales travel to Northampton knowing England will be eager to respond after missing out on a Grand Slam last season, but Whiffin is confident his side are ready for the challenge.

“They are a big physical team with players coming back from the Premiership. We know what’s coming, particularly around the aerial game, but our boys will be ready and looking forward to it.”

Wales U20 starting XV v England (Friday 6th February, 7:45KO)

George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)

Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)

Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)

Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)

Osian J Williams (Bristol Bears)

Osian Williams (Scarlets)

Caio James (Gloucester)

Deian Gwynne (Gloucester – Co-Captain)

Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)

Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)

Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)

Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby – Co-Captain)

Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)

Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)

Jack Woods (Bath Rugby)

Replacements

16. Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)

17. Dylan James (Ospreys)

18. Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)

19. Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)

20. Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)

21. Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)

22. Luca Woodyatt (Gloucester)

23. Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)

2026 U20 Six Nations – Wales fixtures

Fri 6 Feb – England v Wales, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Sat 14 Feb – Wales v France, Cardiff Arms Park

Fri 20 Feb – Wales v Scotland, Cardiff Arms Park

Sat 7 Mar – Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, Cork

Sun 15 Mar – Wales v Italy, Rodney Parade, Newport