Wales have named a 32-man squad for the upcoming Under-20s Six Nations which will be led by Cardiff Blues back-rower Alex Mann.
Six players from last year’s Under-20s side are included in the squad named by new coach Ioan Cunningham, including Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow.
And Cunningham admitted it had been difficult to cut the squad down to just 32, such is the strength in depth at his disposal.
“It’s been a challenge but a real exciting one,” he said. “It’s been a long process observing players in a training environment which has also been a challenge with covid protocols and no games but we are confident as a coaching group that the right decisions have been made and we’re excited to see them go.
“We initially had a squad of around 46/48 and then we cut that down to 36. Then there were some more tough conversations when we brought it down again and that brought home how much it meant to these players to represent their country – dropping it down to 32 has been tough, in some positions the depth is very strong.
“Overall it is a fairly young squad, there are only six players carrying over from last year’s group so it’s an induction of fresh new talent to the group which is exciting. We’ve got some strength up front, our forwards are a big group of big men but we also have a talented backline with gifted players – hopefully we can give them enough possession to express themselves.”
The Championship will take place exclusively in Cardiff over the course of June and July, with Wales opening their campaign against Italy.
Wales Under-20s squad for Six Nations
Forwards: Garyn Phillips (Ospreys) Theo Bavaqua (Cardiff Blues) Cameron Jones (Ospreys) Efan Daniel (Cardiff Blues) Ollie Burrows (Exeter Chiefs) Connor Chapman (Dragons) Nathan Evans (Cardiff Blues) Lewys Jones (USON Nevers) Zak Giannini (Llanelli Wanderers) Joe Peard (Dragons) James Fender (Ospreys) Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) Rhys Thomas (Ospreys/Aberavon) Alex Mann (Capt – Cardiff Blues) Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs) Harri Deaves (Ospreys) Tristan Davies (Ospreys) Carwyn Tuipulotu (Scarlets) Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Blues)
Backs: Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Blues) Morgan Richards (Dragons/Pontypridd) Carrick McDonnough (Dragons) Eddie James (Scarlets) Tom Florence (Ospreys) Joe Hawkins (Ospreys) Ioan Evans (Pontypridd) Daniel John (Exeter Chiefs) Sam Costelow (Scarlets) Will Reed (Dragons) Ben Burnell (Cardiff Blues) Harri Williams (Scarlets) Ethan Lloyd (Cardiff Blues)
