Young Harlequins lock Jonny Green is one of three exiles named in the Wales team to face Ireland in the opening round of the U20 Six Nations on Friday (7pm).
Sale Sharks back-rower Huw Davies and Bath centre Louie Hennessey make up the trio for the game in Colwyn Bay.
All are considered promising. Just last October Green and Hennessey were named in a NextGen World U18 dream team selection. At 6ft 6in and 17st 7lb, Green has already started for Harlequins, figuring in the Premiership Cup, and is seen as a significant prospect, while Hennessey shone alongside Harri Ackerman in Wales U20s’ recent win over Poland. Both are only 18.
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From north Wales, No. 8 Davies was part of Sale's 2022 academy intake and packs down at No. 8 after showing up well in training.
Ackerman is another one who is rated highly, though, like the others, he could need time to adapt at U20 level, with the 6ft, 14st 9lb player having only just turned 18.
Ryan Woodman captains the side, with the blindside the only player up front who has significant experience at this level, underlining the size of the challenge Byron Hayward’s team face in this tournament.
The backline has three players returning from the U20 Summer Series squad which reached the final against South Africa in Italy – full back Cameron Winnett (Cardiff), winger Harri Houston (Ospreys) and fly-half Dan Edwards – but the challenge for Wales will be to compete up front.
“By and large it is a full strength squad,” said Hayward. "We are in a good place and we’re looking forward to the game.
“They will be a massive challenge as they are Grand Slam champions. Irish rugby is flourishing and has been for a number of years. But it is a challenge we are looking forward to. The reason you are in sport is because you want to play against the best and we face the best team first up."
Wales U20 v Ireland U20: Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby); Llien Morgan (Ospreys), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Harri Ackerman (Dragons), Harri Houston ((Ospreys); Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Archie Hughes (Scarlets); Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths (Dragons), Sam Scarfe (Dragons), Tomas Pritchard (Scarlets), Liam Edwards (Ospreys), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Ryan Woodman (capt, Dragons), Luca Giannini (Scarlets), Huw Davies (Sale).
Replacements: Isaac Young (Scarlets), Freddie Chapman (Ospreys), Ellis Fackrell (Ospreys), Owain Evans (RGC), Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby), Harri Williams (Scarlets), Harrison James (Cardiff Rugby), Tom Florence (Ospreys).
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