Jason Strange believes the number of former Wales Under-20s to graduate to senior honours last month demonstrates that business is booming for his country’s production line.
Nine players earned their first international caps against Tonga on June 16 while two more – Rory Thornton and Adam Beard – were handed their bows against Samoa seven days later.
Seven of those 11 debutants had previously represented Wales Under-20s under Strange’s tutelage, with only Scarlets duo Wyn Jones and Aled Davies blooded by Robin McBryde without previously having been capped at that level.
“I thought it was a great endorsement of not just the 20s but the whole pathway,” said Strange, a former Bristol and Leeds Carnegie player.
“Both nationally and regionally, it shows the pathway is working when you have players of 19 and 20 playing for your national team in Test match arenas and not just playing, but acquitting themselves extremely well.
“That’s a huge compliment to everyone involved in their development. Not only have they been given an opportunity but they took it and did really well at such a young age.
“The reality is the majority of those players are not going to reach their peak for another two or three years – the earlier they can be exposed at the highest level, the better.”
The Under-20s suffered pool defeats to Australia and England whilst beating Samoa and finished seventh overall at June’s World Championships in Georgia, besting Italy 25-24 in the play-offs, having lost to Scotland in the semi-finals.
Strange added: “I’m really encouraged for next season. With the number of players we’ve got coming back, the experience they have gained from this year’s World Cup and Six Nations can only stand them in good stead.
“They also understand that we’re not just looking at the World Cup. More importantly, the preparation starts now to get the standards, expectations and processes right in the lead up to the Six Nations and World Cup next year.”
