“They are two guys Welsh rugby needs to develop.”
So said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan of Wales U20s pair Harri Ackerman and Ryan Woodman.
The two teenagers will line up against England in Colwyn Bay on Friday evening as Byron Hayward’s side seek to open their account in this year’s U20 Six Nations campaign.
But whatever the result, their boss at the Dragons reckons the duo are set for significant futures.
“They excite us,” said Flanagan at a Dragons press call.
“Ryan’s in his second year playing U20s rugby and he has next year as well, while Harri’s in his first year.
“Welsh rugby needs them to come through and for that to happen we have to manage them correctly. They are two guys Welsh rugby needs to develop.”
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Ackerman is an 18-year-old centre who stood out in the campaign opener against Ireland with his ability to break tackles and hit hard in defence. He is a former skipper of Wales U18s and commands the respect of those around him.
“From my experience of being outside Gwent and watching, Gwent rugby has had the best talent in Wales,” said Flanagan.
“We push them through early here, so people like Steff Hughes will be invaluable to help Harri and so will having players like Jack Dixon, Sio and Max Clark around him.
“Aneurin Owen’s been injured all year.
“He’s a decent 12 as well.
“Welsh rugby needs them both to come through — same as the 13 (Louie Hennessey) who’s playing for Wales U20s. Welsh rugby needs to make sure we manage these players correctly, so that in four years’ time they’re at the World Cup representing us and thriving.”
Ackerman hasn't long celebrated his 18th birthday, but he has already caught the eye in the Welsh Premiership. Specifically on the ex-Aber Valley Wolves rugby league junior, who is now furthering his rugby education with Newport RFC, Wales U20s head coach Hayward told the South Wales Argus the 6ft, 14st 9lb player has traits that remind him of the player who’ll feature at inside centre for Wales against England this weekend.
“He is going to be an exceptional talent in the mould of Joe Hawkins,” said Hayward. “He has good distribution skills, which is essential from your 12 if you want to put width on the game. He is a natural leader who doesn't shout or bawl too much but when he talks the boys listen to him.
“The first time I saw Harri was in France last year, playing for the under-18s in Marcoussis. It struck me that he was a natural leader and even though he is in the first year of under-20s he captained the team against Poland [in a Six Nations warm-up].
“It will be interesting to see what he is like when he comes out of this programme in 18 months when he comes out of the programme ready for senior rugby.”
Wales U20s skipper Woodman is a back rower who can play at lock, from where he piled up 15 tackles in the 18-17 defeat by Scotland last time out. Like Ackerman, he is felt to be a player who could go far.
Hayward’s side will be without their top-performing player last time out, Morgan Morse, after the back rower picked up a knock, but they welcome back Jonny Green at lock and have Harri Houston featuring on the wing and Luca Giannini packing down at openside flanker.
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