Two Ospreys named in Wales U20 team named to face Scotland U20

11th December

International

Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin has named his side to take on Scotland U20 at the Wern, Merthyr on Friday (KO.12.30pm)

Two Ospreys have been named in the squad, with Lewis Edwards and Jack Hoskins both making the squad.

Forwards Jac Pritchard, captain Tom Cottle and back rows Ryan Jones and Evan Minto along with scrum half Sion Davies, Osian Darwin-Lewis and full back Lewis Edwards all featured for Wales in last year’s U20 programme as did scrum half replacement, Ellis Lewis.

“We’ve got a lot of boys coming back in from last year that we want to gain more experience then there is a few new guys who will get their first experience at U20s rugby leading into the Six Nations,” said Whiffin.

Whiffin is hoping the returnees experience will enable his side to hit the ground running against the Scots.

“They know the way we want to play, they have an understanding of the intensity level that U20s rugby is about, so I think by having a core group from last year helping the younger guys is a good blend going into the Six Nations.”

Cardiff’s Tom Cottle offers a reassuring presence in the heart of the engine room and Whiffin expects him to lead from the front.

“Tom last year played really well for us, brought lots of energy but he also has a calm influence on the group, he’s a lineout leader and we just think his understanding of the game plan and on how we want to play will compliment some of the game drivers around him,” said Whiffin.

The U20 clash against Scotland and next week’s U19 encounter against England at Ystrad Mynach has given the Welsh management an opportunity to cast their net wide as they narrow down selection with the Six Nations in mind.

“Over the course of the U19s game against France, the U20s game against Scotland and next week’s U19 game against England we’ll probably have 50-60 players play and that is without a handful of players that are playing Champions Cup rugby like Deian Gwynn and Challenge Cup rugby like Tom Bowen and Steffan Emanuel that will come back into the set-up post-Christmas,” he said.

Wales U20 v Scotland U20, The Wern, Merthyr RFC, Fri 12 Dec, KO 12.30

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)