Four Dragons have been selected by Wales Under 20 head coach Richard Whiffin as part of his 30-man squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia this summer.
Forward Evan Minto is set to play in the tournament for the second time and he is joined by front rowers George Tuckley and James Talamai.
Back Brogan Leary who has impressed for Newport RFC in the SRC this season is set to make his Wales U20s debut during the tournament, which runs from Saturday 27th June to Friday 17th July.
Wales have been drawn in the same pool as the hosts Georgia and face them first on the opening day before playing Uruguay on the 2nd of July, followed by a clash against the reigning champions South Africa on Tuesday the 7th of July.
With Wales set to face attritional conditions against confrontational teams in the searing heat, Whiffin has opted for a split of 13 backs and 17 forwards.
“It’s obviously going to be hot out in Georgia so there is going to be a heavy workload for the forwards,” Whiffin explained.
“Georgia and South Africa have two heavy packs so we feel having those extra bodies in the pack, especially in the props, will give us a little bit more flexibility through the tournament.
“It is certainly a 30 that we will back – we intend to give everyone game time through the first couple of games so the boys are all able to put their hand up for the back end of the tournament.”
Whiffin paid tribute to the players who have missed out on selection.
“I want to thank all the boys who are unfortunate to not make it. A few are still in camp now training really hard pushing the group on,” said Whiffin.
“The strength of our group is shown by how good the players we haven’t picked will be, but we have spoken to those guys to make sure they are ready in case we have to send for replacements.”
Wales U20 World Rugby Junior World Championship squad
Backs: Lewis Edwards (Ospreys), Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby), Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby), Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met), Brogan Leary (Dragons RFC), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby) Co-capt., Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby), Jack Hoskins (Ospreys), Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby), Cai Gealy (Bristol Bears), Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby).
Forwards: George Tuckley (Dragons RFC), Dylan James (Ospreys), Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby), James Talamai (Dragons RFC), Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Yestyn Cook (Scarlets), Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs), Will Evans (Scarlets), Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby), Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), Osian Williams (Bristol Bears), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester Rugby) Co-capt., Sam Morgan (Ospreys), Evan Minto (Dragons RFC), Caio James (Gloucester Rugby), Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby).
Wales’ Pool Games
Sat 27th June 15:00 Wales v Georgia, Avchala Stadium
Thurs 2nd July 10:00 Wales v Uruguay, Avchala Stadium
Tues 7th July 15:00 South Africa v Wales, Avchala Stadium
