Large Cardiff contingent named in Wales U18 sides for Scotland double header

Wales Under 18 head coach Richie Pugh has named three Cardiff Rugby players in his squad to face Scotland U18 at Ystrad Mynach on Sunday 3 March (KO 2.30pm).

Sion Davies starts at scrum-half and Joseff Jones is named on the wing, while hooker Thomas Howe is on the bench.

Steff Emanuel and Tom Bowen, who both recently signed to rejoin Cardiff Rugby next season are also included with Emanuel named as captain.

A Wales U18 Development side which contains six Blue and Blacks has also been selected to play their Scottish counterparts in the curtain raiser which kicks off at 12.30pm.

“What is great is that we have an opportunity through a development game and our capped game to see 46 players represent Wales in what is for a lot of them their first chance in a Welsh jersey,” said Pugh.

“We’ve spoken about progression through the regions from the Schools and Colleges league into the regions and now there’s an opportunity to put themselves up against some of the best nations and Scotland is the challenge as we build towards the Six Nations festival in Parma.”

“It’s great to have his experience back back with us as he has been performing really well with Millfield and Bath and obviously last year in the Six Nations,” said Pugh.

“His experience and the respect he gets around him is second to none so for him to be awarded with the captaincy is a huge honour and something he will relish.”

Only 26 players can be selected for the Six Nations festival where Wales take on England, Portugal and France between March 30th – April 7 so there is plenty to play for.

“Everyone has got an opportunity; some will get capped this weekend but boys who aren’t in that line-up are still not that far away.

“Just look at the Wales U20s the other night - there were some boys who weren’t capped at U18 but are still representing U20s so some may feel a little disappointed that they are not included in the capped game but actually there is a huge opportunity for them to showcase what they are about in the Development fixture which is why it is ideal,” he explained.

“We’re in a good place after a good campaign with the Schools and Colleges league and the regional age grade competition and our training camps. We’re all looking forward to the challenge ahead on Sunday now.”

Wales U18 v Scotland U18, Sunday 3rd March, Ystrad Mynach, 2.30pm
15 Jack Woods (Dragons)
14 Tom Bowen (Bristol Bears)
13 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)
12 Steffan Emanuel (Bath Rugby - capt)
11 Joseff Jones (Cardiff Rugby)
10 Carwyn Jones (Scarlets)
9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby);
1 Dylan James (Ospreys)
2 Ruben Cummings (Gloucester)
3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
4 Sam Williams (Scarlets)
5 Dylan Alford (RGC)
6 Dom Kossuth (Scarlets)
7 Ryan Jones (Dragons)
8 Deian Gwynne (Scarlets)

Replacements
16 Thomas Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
17  George Tuckley (Dragons)
18 Alex Bosworth (Gloucester)
19 Tom Cottle (RGC)
20 Caio James (Gloucester)
21 Tudur Jones (RGC)
22 Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)
23 Jack Harrison (Bath Rugby)

Wales U18 Development v Scotland U18 Development, Sunday 3rd March, Ystrad Mynach, Midday KO 12.30pm
15 Ben Roberts (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Jac Wyn Roberts (RGC)
13 Osian Darwin Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
12 David-Florian Petrescu (West Midlands)
11 Oliver Das (Cardiff Rugby)
10 Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Nick Fisk-Jones (Ospreys);
1 Dylan Barratt (Cardiff Rugby)
2 Evan Gallagher (Bath Rugby)
3 Codi Purnell (Bath Rugby)
4 Dylan Hodkinson (Sale Sharks)
5 Osian Williams (Scarlets)
6 Cerrig Smith (Dragons)
7 Evan Minto (Dragons - Capt)
8 Charlie Ward (Bath Rugby)

Replacements
16 Oscar Thomas (London & South Central)
17 Greg Thomas (RGC)
18 Nathan Davies (Scarlets)
19 Noah Williams (Ospreys)
20 Alex Ridgway (Scarlets)
21 Carter Pritchard (Dragons)
22 Math Jones (Harlequins)
23 Ioan Penry (Cardiff Rugby)