There may not be too much to write home about scoreboard-wise for Wales in the U20 Six Nations this year, with three defeats arriving in four matches ahead of Sunday’s final game against Italy.
Ireland, England and France emphatically accounted for the Welsh youngsters, whose solitary success came against Scotland. But head coach Byron Hayward believes the results don’t tell a complete story.
The Welsh squad is young, with many players sampling this grade of rugby for the first time and including in Morgan Morse a 17-year-old who is still at school and in Ryan Woodman a back-five forward who has only just turned 18. Hayward feels those two and others in his group could go on to make names for themselves in the coming seasons.
Here are some of the players he mentioned as the stars of tomorrow.
Morgan Morse (No.8) and Ryan Woodman (lock/back-row)
Swansea schoolboy Morse is a back-rower who has already turned the heads of many. Ospreys development chief Gareth Walters said of him recently: “I think the omens are really good. Not only is he diligent and committed in everything he does, he’s also a good kid in school.
“When he comes in here every morning, he’s ready to hit the ground running. He’s had a really big block of physical work with Ospreys strength and conditioning head Alex Lawson and he’s come through that well. So we see him as a player who could make a mark if he fulfils his potential.
“In some respects, he’s like Harri Deaves. Regardless of the team he’s playing in and regardless of the scoreline of the game, he always catches the eye.”
Playing at No. 8 against France last week, Morse didn’t miss a tackle and made ground with ball in hand.
Woodman celebrated his 18th birthday at the start of last month. He’s a back-five forward on the Dragons' books who has a big workrate and is adaptable. He enjoys getting the ball in his hands and against the French made 36 metres as a carrier.
Asked which players might following the likes of Taine Basham, Christ Tshiunza, Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan onto the international scene, Hayward started with Morse and Woodman.
“It’s an interesting one: some of the younger players, really,” he replied. “For those two to be holding their own and competing against the likes of France means their ceilings are very, very high in terms of where they can get to over the next two or three years.
“How have they impressed me? Firstly, from an ability point of view. They’ve come into an environment that’s more high pressured than an under-18s programme would be, the level they played at before, and they’ve coped with it no problem.
“They’ve also excelled when put on the field in a matchday environment. I think they have massive futures.”
Joe Hawkins (centre)
Ospreys prospect Hawkins led the side against France and is a steam-train centre who is hard to stop. Against Scotland, he made a big impact on the gainline during one of the top individual performances of Wales’ campaign.
He is eager to learn, on and off the field, and has impressed as a communicator and with his maturity. “As someone who has already played regional rugby, Joe has been a great leader for us and has stood out,” said Hayward.
The coach saw Hawkins, Morse and Woodman as players who could go far very quickly.
Alex Mann (No.8 or blindside)
Skipper Mann missed Wales’ last game because of suspension but he had previously been exceptional, returning high tackling and carrying counts. The Cardiff player doesn’t let his head drop and plays with determination.
As with Hawkins, Morse and Woodman, Hayward believes Mann has the potential to make the highest stage. He has compared likened him to Sam Warburton and Ellis Jenkins and said at this week's Wales U20s press call: “Alex Mann is another one, coming out of the under-20s programme this year who can make an impact in the regional game and push for international honours in a couple of years’ time."
Tom Cowan (blindside or No. 7) and Ethan Fackrell (openside)
There were pats on the back for the whole breakaway trio, with Cowan a physical blindside who has already played for Bath in the Gallagher Premiership and Fackrell an openside who's with Cardiff and has a big workrate.
“Our back row has been outstanding. We missed Alex and Tom last week. They are very physical," said Hayward.
“When you are playing the top sides, like Ireland, France and England, you need those boys who are 20 years old and in their last year with us, because they are used to playing at this level and have that maturity. They bring extra physicality to our game.”
Efan Daniel (hooker)
Remember the name. Daniel ended last term with Wales U20s with an extraordinary performance against Scotland and he delivered again against the same opponents this time.
The Cardiff hooker is mobile, committed and achieves turnovers. At times, such is his effort around the field, he appears to have sneaked a twin onto the pitch. Injuries blighted his campaign this time, but Hayward sees him as going to the very top.
“Injury-free, Efan will be in the Welsh [set-up] within the next two or three years, maximum,” said the coach. “He’s an exceptional player and we’ve certainly missed him. I’m a big fan.”
To get the latest rugby news sent straight to you, sign up for our Welsh rugby newsletter.
