**Wales U20s dealt blow as star winger Harry Rees-Weldon ruled out of World Championship through injury**
Welsh rugby has been hit with disappointing news as promising young winger Harry Rees-Weldon will be absent from the Wales Under-20 squad for the upcoming World Rugby U20s Championship in Italy. The Men of Gwent talent, just 20 years of age, sustained a leg injury during training, ending his tournament hopes before they even began.
Rees-Weldon’s omission comes as a particular blow to the side, following his stand-out performances during this year’s Six Nations. He notably played a key role as Wales pulled off an unexpected victory against England, who were pursuing a Grand Slam at the time. His impressive solo try lit up Cardiff Arms Park, earning him deserved plaudits.
Since his exploits on the international youth stage, Rees-Weldon has continued to rise through the ranks, marking his senior debut for the Dragons with a try against the Ospreys. The winger then cemented his rapid progress by featuring in consecutive matches in South Africa, taking the field against both the Stormers and Bulls in the fiercely competitive United Rugby Championship.
However, fortunes can change quickly in sport, and a training ground injury has left the winger sidelined for one of the biggest tournaments in the youth rugby calendar. Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin expressed his sympathies, telling local media: “Harry is out after an injury in training. It’s such a shame because he was brilliant at the back end of the Six Nations, and he showed he could make the step up with the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship, but sadly he will not be making the plane.”
It is understood that while Rees-Weldon’s injury is not likely to be long-term, it does require a period of rehabilitation. The player is expected to target a return in time for pre-season preparations, according to current assessments. In his absence, coach Whiffin pointed to the depth in the squad on the wing, with the experienced Tom Bowen coming back into contention and the door now open for others to seize an opportunity. “One guy’s misfortune is another’s opportunity,” Whiffin added, reflecting on the competitive environment in Welsh youth rugby.
The setback comes at a crucial time for the squad, who are still in the process of being finalised. Whiffin had initially hoped to unveil his team prior to the second warm-up match against Italy, but injury doubts elsewhere have forced him to delay the announcement until after the friendly at the Arms Park. Wales commenced their preparations with a stern test against England at Pontypool Park, where they led 14-7 at half-time but faltered in the closing stages, eventually succumbing to a 47-14 defeat.
Wales’ campaign at the Italian tournament is set to kick off with a challenging fixture against Argentina on 29 June, a game that may now take on even greater significance with the squad having to adapt to late changes. Preparations have been bolstered by the presence of renowned skills coach Neil Jenkins, who has been lending his expertise to the U20 set-up rather than travelling with the senior national side to Japan this summer.
The loss of Rees-Weldon undeniably diminishes Wales’ attacking options, but it will offer an invaluable platform for emerging talents to stake their claim on the international stage. The tournament promises to be a defining test, not only of skill but also of depth and resilience, qualities the Welsh setup will be eager to demonstrate after this latest setback. The squad and supporters alike will be hopeful that Rees-Weldon’s rehabilitation proceeds swiftly and that he returns to action in time for the next rugby season.