Twenty new faces for Wales U20 in Milan
Twenty players could make their international debuts for Wales U20 this Friday night in Milan’s Stadio Giovanni Mari (18:00 GMT), as head coach Jason Strange names his team for their U20 Six Nations opener.
Only three of Strange’s matchday squad have previously featured for Wales U20. They are: Newport Gwent Dragons wing Jared Rosser, who was in exemplary form for Wales Sevens in Dubai and Cape Town earlier this season; Cardiff Blues tighthead Keiron Assiratti, who made a cameo in the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship; and Blues blindside Morgan Sieniawski, a member of last season’s Grand Slam-winning squad.
“Usually, in your first U20 Six Nations game you’d expect ten or twelve new caps, but we’ve got a particularly young group this year, several of whom will be available next year which makes this Friday a good opportunity to start exposing them to international rugby,” explains Strange. “We know Italy will pose a real challenge, especially at home, but we’re focusing on producing a strong team performance to start the campaign.”
The prospect of almost an entire squad gaining their first cap at this level means there is a heightened sense of anticipation in camp, according to Strange: “They’re tremendously excited about representing their country. It’s a huge honor, which has been reflected in the intensity of their approach to training since coming into camp.”
The following players are unavailable for selection this weekend: Shane Lewis-Hughes, Callum Bradbury, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Arwel Robson, Tom Mably (all injured), James Ratti, Rhun Williams (both regional commitments), James Botham, Owen Lane (both Wales Sevens).
Tickets for the Wales U20 matches at Parc Eirias against England next Friday and Ireland (Saturday 11th March) are now available, with tickets already selling fast.
Italy U20 v Wales U20 will be shown live on S4C’s Clwb Rygbi.
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