Magnificent seven ride again for Wales
WALES created history last year by making their first Six Nations title a Grand Slam and centre Ioan Nicholas can’t wait to take on World Champions England at Parc Eirias in two weeks.
Jason Strange’s side will kick off their campaign like the senior side in Italy next week before a mouth-watering clash against their arch-rivals in Colwyn Bay.
Wales will be boosted by the presence of seven Grand Slam winners from last year, plus Nicholas who, aged 17, became the youngest ever player to represent the Scarlets in 2015.
“We need to focus on Italy away first, of course, because that will be a very tough match,” said the 18year-old from Pontyberem.
“Last year’s players have spoken about how special the atmosphere is here at Parc Eirias, with all the support from North Wales and beyond, so it’s something we’re all hoping we can get a chance to experience.”
Strange said: “These players are being given the opportunity – most for the first time at U20 level – to experience the pressure of playing for their country in front of a huge audience.
“That’s something that can only be of great benefit to their careers. You only have to look at the amount of former U20 players in the Wales senior squad announced this week.”
It’s all change for Ireland with only three players, lock Cillian Gallagher, fly-half Johnny McPhillips, and back-row John Foley, returning for their second U20s Six Nations.
Coach Nigel Carolan said: “As is the nature of U20s rugby, we have a new look squad with just a few of last year’s players returning, so it will be a new and exciting challenge.
“While international rugby at U20s level will be new to the most of these players, the majority have come through the IRFU player-pathway and will have worn the green jersey at U18 and U19 levels.
“Several of the squad have also gotten good game time with their provincial A teams in the British and Irish Cup, so that should stand them in good stead.
France came close to beating Wales in Colwyn Bay last season and have La Rochelle flier Arthur Retiere and Daniel Brennan, son of Toulouse and Ireland bruiser Trevor, in their squad.
Scotland will be hoping that prop Matt Fagerson can have a similar impact as his brother Zander who helped impressed so much last season at age-group level that he made his Test debut during last year’s tournament despite still being eligible for the U20s.
Claiming win would be some achievement for Italy, who have been unable to do for the past two seasons. But the Conor O’Shea factor may have alreday trickled down to the U20s.