Introducing the new kids on the block... eight to keep an eye on
WALES Under-20 coach Jason Strange has named a squad for this year’s Junior Six Nations which includes Dragons’ scrum-half regular Dan Babos and a host of other talented prospects.
The likes of cricket legend Sir Ian Botham’s grandson James Botham, Ospreys flanker Will Jones, scrumhalf Rueben Morgan-Williams and Scarlets centre Ioan Nicholas – a cousin of top referee Nigel Owens – are already well-known.
But what are the credentials of others in squad which contains 16 of last season’s Wales Under-18 hotshots and is briefed to play attacking rugby?
Rugby Correspondent ANDY HOWELL picks eight to watch during a Six Nations campaign which will be followed by a second meeting with England, a clash with South Africa and Under-20 World Cup fixtures with New Zealand and Australia... Max Williams (Dragons) Has been dubbed ‘Indiana Jones’ by his pals for his love of archaeology – the 19-year-old lock or back-rower is studying for a degree at Cardiff University.
“When people ask me what I’m doing in college they expect me to say sport so are a bit taken aback when I tell them I’m doing archaeology,” said Williams.
“I took a lot of interest in history in sixth form and am enjoying it in college. I need to come home from rugby training and do something or I’d be bored.
“It’s the same on my days off and doing this subject is something which takes my mind away from rugby and sport in general.”Williams is highlyrated by Dragons coach Bernard Jackman and was thrown into the Guinness PRO14 cauldron against Ulster but suffered a shoulder injury and is battling to be fit for the start of the Under-20 Six Nations. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues) He may only be 19 but the loose-head prop is already the strong man in the Blues squad when it comes to squatting weights with a personal best of 210kg, which equates to an incredible 33st or 463lb.
“I’m a natural when he comes to lifting weights,” quipped Carre. “Dillon Lewis and Brad Thyer come closest to me in the Blues squad.”
What about Wales’ most capped player and fellow prop Gethin Jenkins?
“He just concentrates on keeping his body healthy these days so he can continue to play,” grinned Carre.
Wales are expecting big things from the Cardiff product this season with Carre a decent scrummager who’s mobile and a strong ball-carrier. Harri Morgan (Ospreys) He’s the subject of much chatter in Welsh rugby circles and could, in theory, spend three seasons in the Wales Under-20 squad for he’s just 17.
But far more is expected of the scrum-half, who oozes confidence and he’s tipped to embrace the challenge he’s been set with Strange’s squad.
The exciting Morgan isn’t fazed and could come flying through after starring for Wales Under-18s during their victory over England last year. Cai Evans (Ospreys) The son of former Wales captain and twice-Lions Test series winner Ieuan Evans played outside-half for Wales Under-18s last term.
But he’s likely to figure at full-back in his first season at under-20 level and has blistering pace.
Strange says Evans reminds him of world player of 2017 and New Zealand great Beauden Barrett for his pace and build.
And, if Cai has his father’s speed, he will certainly take some stopping by opponents if he gets the ball in space. Taine Basham (Dragons) Has come from nowhere to start for the Gwent region in the PRO14 and is able to play across the back-row.
The 18-year-old, who has also been appearing for Crosskeys in the Welsh Premiership, is explosive and powerful.
Like Morgan, he’s still eligible to appear for Wales Under-18 but his potential is such he’s been fast-tracked. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) The Pencoed product was spotted and snapped up by the English giants two years ago and has captained Wales at under-18 level.
He can play openside or blindside