Three Dragons have been named in Richard Whiffin’s 23-man squad for Wales’ penultimate U20s Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday evening.
Loosehead prop George Tuckley comes into the starting XV while Evan Minto keeps his position in the back row and scrum-half Carter Pritchard is part of the replacements.
Tuckley is one of three changes to the starting XV as Whiffin’s side aim for back-to-back wins following their home victory against Scotland a fortnight ago.
Lloyd Lucas and Osian Darwin-Lewis also come into the starting side at 10 and outside centre, either side of co-captain Steffan Emanuel.
They face a tricky test in Ireland at Virgin Media Park who, after their impressive victory against England last time out, will look to continue their formidable form at home having only lost two U20s Six Nations clashes on home soil since 2019.
Whiffin outlines the importance of having such squad strength both starting and off the bench.
“It’s a tough tournament and there has been lots of good performances from our squad in training,” said Whiffin.
“There is opportunity for guys from either the bench or to start to make their mark and it gives us a chance to look at other guys in the squad.
“The strength of the group is we’re tight and connected and know there is more in them and we spoke as a group about the opportunity to go to Cork and get a win in what is a formidable away venue.
“The challenge has been set for the boys and they get an opportunity and we’re excited to see how they go.”
Wales U20s Squad to face Ireland
Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby); Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby), Steffan Emmanuel (Cardiff Rugby, Co-Capt), Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby); Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby), Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby); George Tuckley (Dragons RFC), Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), Osain Williams (Bristol Bears), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, Co-Capt), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Dragons RFC).
Replacements: Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby), George Leyland (Bristol Bears), Yestyn Cook (Saracens), Oscar Rees (Gloucester), Dom Kossuth (Scarlets), Carter Pritchard (Dragons RFC), Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby).
