Minto starts for 20s against Scotland

18/02/2026

Evan Minto will start at number eight for Wales U20s as they host Scotland on Friday night.

The backrower is one of three Dragons once again selected in the 23 along with hooker James Talamai and prop George Tuckley who will both start on the bench.

Minto is one of four personnel changes in the starting XV with Dylan James starting at loosehead, Bailey Cutts at outside centre and Dylan Scott on the wing.

The bench sees Yestyn Cook, Oscar Rees and Luc Anfield join Talamai, Tuckley, Alex Ridgway, Luca Woodyatt and Lloyd Lucas.

“The changes in the backs are through injuries the boys picked up against France and the changes up front with Dylan James at loosehead and Evan Minto at No 8 – we feel they will add a slightly different dynamic to the game,” said Whiffin.

“We think we have played really well and produced two good performances against two of the top teams in the competition where we could have come away with two wins.

“We know Scotland have had a couple of good performances themselves, winning out in Italy and took England all the way last Friday.

“We know it is going to be a tough encounter this weekend at Cardiff, but we feel if we put in a similar performance like last Friday, we will be in the hunt to pick up a result.”

Wales U20 v Scotland U20, Cardiff Arms Park, Friday 20 Feb, KO 7.15pm. Tickets are available HERE.

1 Dylan James (Ospreys)

2 Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)

3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)

4 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)

5 Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)

6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester – co-Capt)

7 Caio James (Gloucester)

8 Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)

9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)

10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)

11 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)