Whiffin names 'balanced' Wales U20 squad for World Champs

Richard Whiffin took over the role of Wales Under-20s head coach from Mark Jones in December 2023

Wales head coach Richard Whiffin says his squad head to the World Rugby U20 Championship believing they can "compete with so-called top teams".

Whiffin has named a largely settled selection for the tournament starting later this month in Italy, with Neath scrum-half Ellis Lewis the only uncapped player in a squad of 30.

Dragons scrum-half Logan Franklin was unavailable after injuring his arm in Friday's 47-19 final warm-up win against Italy in Cardiff.

Wales begin their campaign in Pool B against Argentina on 29 June in Verona.

Whiffin's side then face France on 4 July in Rovigo and complete the pool stage against Spain on 9 July back in Verona.

"I think it is a very balanced squad with some quality experience returning from last year and some added emphasis from guys who have performed well during the Six Nations," said Whiffin.

Wales placed eighth at last year's Championship. They finished third in this year's Six Nations with three wins, including victory against England.

Whiffin used more than 40 players in two preparation games - they were also beaten 47-14 by world champions England in Pontypool - before finalising his squad which will be captained by Dragons flanker Harry Beddall.

"The England game was always going to be tough on the back of what was a really tough training week, and then to challenge ourselves against the world champs was brilliant," said Whiffin.

"I thought it cemented a few thoughts in our heads - 14-14 at 60 minutes I thought we had competed well and then we had a very polished performance against Italy.

"We're excited about the Championship but we still have a week's training ahead of us before we get on the plane for Italy, but we've done the hard work in terms of whittling down what was a really strong training squad to the 30 selected."

Having denied England a first Grand Slam in four years with a 23-13 victory at Cardiff Arm's Park in this year's Six Nations finale, Whiffin also believes his squad head to Italy with no fear.

"I think the pleasing thing is the boys are confident and they know they can go out there and compete with so-called top teams in the competition and we're not afraid," he said.

"We're going out there saying we want to get into that top semi-final bracket and once you get into that bracket you never know what's going to happen."

No Morse for Wales

Whiffin has explained why Ospreys number eight Morgan Morse will not compete in his third Junior World Championships after being overlooked by Wales caretaker coach Matt Sherratt for the senior tour of Japan.

"In terms of Morgan, he is being looked after," said Whiffin.

"He was in the selection mix for the senior squad and Matt Sherratt has gone down the route of picking incredible experience in terms of Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright with more than 150 caps.

"In terms of the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys point of view, we had the conversation last year in terms of that being his last Under-20s World Cup.

"It was his third and he was already competing well in terms of URC. We had committed to that plan.

"He will probably be at home frustrated but he will come back rip-roaring."

Whiffin believes Morse will benefit from a break and a full senior pre-season camp.

"He will have a pre-season under his belt, which has not had for the last three years, because he has been with us," said Whiffin.

"Everybody's development is different and he was an early developer.

"He is the most capped Wales Under-20s player and certainly done his bit.

"He will benefit from having a good rest period and pre-season with Ospreys and will push his international case even further next season."

Wales squad:

Forwards: Ioan Emanuel, Louie Trevett, Harry Thomas, Saul Hurley, Evan Wood, Sam Scott, Owain James, Jac Pritchard, Luke Evans, Kenzie Jenkins, Nick Thomas, Tom Cottle, Dan Gemine, Deian Gwynne, Harry Beddall (capt), Caio James, Evan Minto.

Backs: Sion Davies, Ellis Lewis, Harri Wilde, Harri Ford, Steffan Emanuel, Elis Price, Elijah Evans, Osian Roberts, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Aidan Boshoff, Lewis Edwards, Jack Woods, Tom Bowen.

Wales' Pool B fixtures

Sunday, 29 June

Argentina U20 v Wales U20, Payanini Center, Verona (19:30 BST)

Friday, 4 July

France U20 v Wales U20, Stadio Mario Battaglini, Rovigo (14:30 BST)

Wednesday, 9 July

Wales U20 v Spain U20, Payanini Center, Verona (14:30 BST)