Tuipulotu set to keep up family tradition in the Under-20s Six Nations

WALES will unleash the cousin of Taulupe Faletau and Mako and Billy Vunipola in the Under-20 Six Nations which begins this month.

Giant No.8 Carwyn Tuipulotu is seen as one of the best prospects in Welsh rugby and his 125kg frame will give Ioan Cunningham’s side real go forward in this summer’s Cardiff Championship.

Tuipulotu, 19, was identified by the Welsh Exiles programme as a player of tremendous potential after attending the prestigious Sedbergh School and was subsequently snapped up by the Scarlets.

Wales kick off the Championship against Italy on Saturday where Tuipulotu will get an opportunity to show his worth. Joining him in the squad is Scarlets outside-half Sam Costelow who is also viewed as a future Wales international.

He will compete with Ben Burnell and Lloyd Evans for the No.10 shirt. Cardiff Blues forward Alex Mann will captain the side.

But arguably the most exciting selection in Cunningham’s squad is Exeter second row Christ Tshiunza.

The highly-gifted lock left the Cardiff Blues academy to join the Chiefs and there were murmurings he would shift his allegiances to England given he played a training match for the Red Rose.

But Tshiunza has chosen Wales and is set to be a key player for the men in red.

Cunningham is the new head coach after Gareth Williams joined Wayne Pivac’s senior Wales set-up.

“It’s been a long process observing players in a training environment which has also been a challenge with Covid protocols and no games, but we are confident as a coaching group the right decisions have been made and we’re excited to see them go,” said Cunningham.

“We initially had a squad of around 46 to 48 and then we cut that down to 36. Then there were some more tough conversations when we brought it down again and that brought home how much it meant to these players to represent their country.

“Dropping it down to 32 has been tough and in some positions the depth is very strong.

“Overall it is a fairly young squad. There are only six players carrying over from last year’s group so it’s an induction of fresh new talent to the group which is exciting.

“Our forwards are a big group of big men, but we also have a talented back-line with gifted players. “Hopefully we can give them enough possession to express themselves.

“Success means winning games and it’s getting these guys to understand what it takes to win.

“We like to express ourselves and play a brand of rugby that’s attractive but also have guys enjoy winning in a Welsh shirt.”

WALES UNDER-20 SQUAD FORWARDS: Garyn Phillips (Ospreys), Theo Bavaqua (Cardiff Blues), Cameron Jones (Ospreys), Efan Daniel (Cardiff Blues), Ollie Burrows (Exeter Chiefs), Connor Chapman (Dragons), Nathan Evans (Cardiff Blues), Lewys Jones (USON Nevers), Zak Giannini (Llanelli Wanderers), Joe Peard (Dragons), James Fender (Ospreys), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Rhys Thomas (Ospreys/Aberavon), Alex Mann (Cardiff Blues, captain),

Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs),

Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Tristan Davies (Ospreys), Carwyn Tuipulotu (Scarlets), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Blues)

BACKS: Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Blues), Morgan Richards (Dragons/ Pontypridd), Carrick McDonnough (Dragons), Eddie James (Scarlets), Tom Florence (Ospreys), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), Ioan Evans (Pontypridd), Daniel John (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Will Reed (Dragons), Ben Burnell (Cardiff Blues), Harri Williams (Scarlets), Ethan Lloyd (Cardiff Blues)

WALES FIXTURES (ALL AT CARDIFF ARMS PARK)

Saturday, June 19: Italy v Wales, KO 8pm; Friday, June 25: Wales v Ireland, KO 8pm; Thursday

July 1: France v Wales, KO 5pm; Wednesday, July 7: Wales v England, KO 8pm; Tuesday, July

13: Scotland v Wales, KO 8pm.