Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin has confirmed a 40-strong squad for the 2026 U20 Six Nations, with Cardiff Rugby centre Steffan Emanuel named as co-captain ahead of the championship.
Emanuel, who vice-captained Wales last season, will share leadership duties with Gloucester back row Deian Gwynne as Wales prepare to open their campaign away to England at Franklin’s Gardens, home of the Northampton Saints.
Cardiff Rugby are strongly represented throughout the squad, underlining the region’s continued influence within the national pathway, with multiple Blue & Blacks players selected across the forwards and backs.
The squad is made up of 23 forwards and 17 backs, with 11 players returning for a second Six Nations campaign.
Whiffin believes Emanuel’s development as a leader over the past 12 months makes him ideally suited to the role.
“Steffan was a vice-captain last year and I feel he has really grown in his leadership,” said Whiffin.
“Having a centre as co-captain gives us a broader view of the game. Deian brings that emotional, follow-me energy, while Steffan offers real tactical clarity.
“They’ve come through the age group together, they get on well and they complement each other. On game day it looks after itself, but during the week they’ll help make sure our messages are delivered clearly to the group.”
The returning cohort adds valuable experience to a squad Whiffin believes has the balance and depth to challenge throughout the championship.
“We want as many second-year players as possible for growth, but it’s also about blending that experience with the energy of first timers,” he added.
“It was a tough selection process, but we’re confident we’ve chosen a squad capable of attacking this championship.
“We’ve got real strength in our back row and back three, experience in midfield and some exciting half-backs. Our tight five also gives us a dynamic ball-carrying edge that’s developed well.”
Wales begin their campaign against England, renewing a rivalry that saw Whiffin’s side stun the English at Cardiff Arms Park last season to deny them a Grand Slam.
“Starting with England is exactly what you want,” said Whiffin.
“Franklin’s Gardens is a fantastic venue and it’ll be a hostile environment, but it’s a challenge we’re excited about. It’s something the boys will embrace head on.”
Wales will return to familiar territory later in the campaign, with France and Scotland both visiting Cardiff Arms Park, giving supporters the chance to see the next generation of Welsh talent on home soil.
Wales U20 Six Nations squad
Forwards
George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)
George Leyland (Bristol Bears)
Dylan James (Ospreys)
Hudson Nevin (Scarlets)
Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
James Talamai (Dragons RFC)
Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)
Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)
Yestyn Cook (Scarlets)
Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)
Oscar Rees (Gloucester Rugby)
Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
Osian B Williams (Bristol Bears)
Gabe Williams (Cardiff Rugby)
Deian Gwynne (Gloucester Rugby – Co-captain)
Osian Williams (Scarlets)
Cerrig Smith (Dragons RFC)
Caio James (Gloucester Rugby)
Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)
Joe Denman (Scarlets)
Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)
Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby)
Backs
Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)
Carter Pritchard (Dragons RFC)
Luca Woddyatt (Gloucester Rugby)
Carwyn Leggat-Jones (Scarlets)
Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)
Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby – Co-captain)
Luc Anfield (Bath University)
Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)
Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)
Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
Evan Morris (Bristol Bears)
Rhys Cole (Dragons RFC)
Jack Woods (Bath Rugby)
Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)
2026 U20 Six Nations – Wales fixtures
- Fri 6 Feb, 19:45 – England v Wales, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
- Sat 14 Feb, 20:00 – Wales v France, Cardiff Arms Park
- Fri 20 Feb, 19:15 – Wales v Scotland, Cardiff Arms Park
- Sat 7 Mar, 19:45 – Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, Cork
- Sun 15 Mar, 13:00 – Wales v Italy, Rodney Parade, Newport