**Wales U20s Appoint New Captain Ahead of Anticipated England Clash**
Wales Under-20s rugby team will take to the field with a new skipper this Friday night as they prepare to face their English counterparts in a much-anticipated showdown in Pontypool. Head coach Richard Whiffin has handed the captain’s armband to the Dragons’ promising No 8, Evan Minto, marking a significant shift in leadership for the young Welsh side.
Previously, openside flanker Harry Beddall led the team through the recent Six Nations campaign, impressing many with his dynamism. However, for the World Rugby U20 Championship warm-up matches, Whiffin has entrusted Minto with the honour, aiming to inject fresh energy into the pack. Beddall will support the squad from the bench, providing possible impact later in the contest.
Minto, who at just 19 years of age stood out during the Six Nations, will anchor a revamped back row that also features his Dragons teammate Ryan Jones and the powerful Caio James from Gloucester. The changes in forward composition reflect Whiffin’s desire to evaluate alternative combinations and build momentum ahead of tougher fixtures to come.
Whiffin praised Minto’s capabilities both on and off the field, describing him as a “very emotional leader” whose style complements the team’s established tactical heads. “He is a local Pontypool lad, and we wanted to give him this opportunity, especially after how he performed during the Six Nations. His commitment and attitude really stood out,” said Whiffin, suggesting the decision was made both for strategic reasons and in recognition of Minto’s leadership qualities.
This warm-up encounter holds added significance, coming a few months after Wales stunned England in their most recent U20 Six Nations clash in Cardiff. That memorable victory injected fresh confidence into Welsh ranks, and a repeat performance could provide further encouragement as the squad gears up for the World Cup campaign, which opens against the formidable Argentina U20s.
The squad also boasts exciting attacking threats in the backline. Ospreys’ Lewis Edwards takes the full-back jersey, while Bristol flyer Aidan Boshoff and Ioan Duggan join him in a pacey back three. Meanwhile, Elis Price and Elijah Evans continue to develop a burgeoning midfield partnership, poised to test England’s centres. At half-back, Sion Davies will be aiming to provide spark from scrum-half, combining with Dragons’ Harri Ford, who wears the number 10 shirt.
Up front, Cardiff’s Cam Tyler-Grocott, Saul Hurley from Aberavon, and Dragons’ Owain James form a robust front-row trio. The engine room sees Ospreys’ Dan Gemine paired with Bristol’s Kenzie Jenkins, providing height and muscle at line-out and in open play. All will be keen to impress, with World Cup squad places on the line.
Coach Whiffin outlined his thinking, explaining, “We’ve had the squad in camp working extremely hard for the last three weeks – they deserve this chance. From the start, we told the group this was a selection period; we have to cut the squad from 45 to 30, so this match is a big opportunity for those wanting to book their place to Italy.” He acknowledged the pressure on players but pointed out this test against England would be invaluable in setting the tone for the campaign ahead.
Wales’s preparations for the World Cup do not end with England – the team will also play Italy at Cardiff Arms Park ahead of flying out to face Argentina in their opening group fixture. With competition for squad places fierce, Friday night’s action in Pontypool will provide a vital platform for players looking to make their mark.
The full matchday squad reflects a blend of regional talent, with representation from across Welsh clubs and a handful of promising players from English teams. The replacements’ bench is packed with eager young athletes, ready to step up if called upon and add further depth to Whiffin’s resources.
As the countdown to the World Rugby U20 Championship continues, all eyes will be on how this new-look Welsh side copes with the challenge posed by England. With a fresh leader at the helm and an array of young talent on show, the fixture promises not only a fierce rivalry but also a crucial stage in the development journey of Wales’s next generation of rugby stars.