Head coach Danny Wilson has named an experienced 28-man
squad for the competition, running from June 5–23, with eight of those who
helped Wales to third place last year, and a first ever win over New Zealand at
this level, again included.
Blues outside half Patchell, one of the most experienced
Regional players in the squad with 21 appearances for the Blues, is the only uncapped
player in the squad. Prop Davies represented Wales last season.
The rest of the squad played a part in almost taking Wales to a Grand Slam, but they fell at the final hurdle to England.
The rest of the squad played a part in almost taking Wales to a Grand Slam, but they fell at the final hurdle to England.
There is also plenty of Principality Premeirship experience
in the squad too, with Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli fans in particular having
plenty to look out for. Bedwas, Llandovery and Bridgend also provide a few
names.
Wilson said: “A number of our players involved with their
Regions came back into our squad during the Six Nations and played their part
in the tournament, training and playing with the rest of the group, so we feel
we are a more solid group this season.
“The players that are coming into the squad, Rhys Patchell
and Thomas Davies, will add significant strength with Rhys having been a first
choice player with the Blues this season.
“It’s an experienced group in terms of Under-20 rugby, and
some players have had a significant amount of Regional rugby too, so on paper
it’s a good squad. It’s going to need to be, because we have a tough group with
Samoa, Scotland and Argentina.
“Argentina won all their pool games last year, beating
France, Australia and Scotland and losing to eventual winners South Africa in
the semis, and have just beaten South Africa 2-1 in a Test series.
“Samoa and Scotland will be very difficult matches too, so
we will have to hit form to compete with and beat all those sides in order to
qualify for the semis.
“That will be our aim – to reach the semis again, and anything
can happen from that point.”
He believes the Junior World Championships provides a
fantastic opportunity for players to step up to the next level.
“As we saw last season – when players perform well
individually and contribute towards good collective performances at the Junior
World Championship, it puts them in a good position to stake a claim for
regular Regional rugby,” he added.
Wales’ Junior World
Championships squad in full:
Forwards: Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff),
Nicky Smith (Ospreys/Swansea), Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Tom Davies
(Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea),
Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Carwyn Jones
(Scarlets/Carmarthen), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), Rhodri Hughes
(Ospreys/Swansea), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/Newport), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/Llanelli),
Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas).
Backs: Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery),
Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Rhys Patchell (Blues/Cardiff), Sam Davies
(Ospreys/Swansea), Cory Allen (Blues/Cardiff), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli),
Jack Dixon (Dragons/Bedwas), Thomas Pascoe (Blues/Pontypridd), Harry Robinson
(Blues/Cardiff), Aaron Warren (Llandovery), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend),
Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli), Hallam Amos (Dragons/Bedwas).
Wales’ JWC fixtures:
Wednesday June 5:
Wales v Samoa (Nantes, 6pm).
Sunday June 9: Wales v Scotland (Nantes, 5pm).
Thursday June 13:
Wales v Argentina (La Roche sur Yon,
4.45pm).
Play-off rounds: Tuesday 18
June, Sunday 23 June.
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