Wales U20 flanker Young ruled out

Posted on Jun 10, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Wales Under 20 flanker Thomas Young has been ruled out of his side’s opening Junior World Championship game, against Argentina in Padua tomorrow (5.10 UK time), after sustaining a foot injury in training.

He has been replaced in the starting XV by Blues and Glamorgan Wanderers back row Luke Hamilton with Rheon James coming onto the bench.

The change means there are now three changes in the starting line-up from the side that played France in the final Under 20 Six Nations game this year. In addition to Hamilton replacing Young, Dragons and Newport back Lewis Robling will make his Wales Under 20 debut, partnering Owen Williams in the centre, while Eli Walker makes his first start on the left wing since he was injured in the the win over Scotland in the second game of the Under 20 Six Nations.

Webster said: “We are pleased with the strength of the side we’ve been able to select for this game. It’s important we get off to a good start in our opening game, or we will make things very difficult for ourselves further on in the competition.

“We have watched some footage of Argentina now and as expected, they are a very physical side but we don’t want to get dragged into their style of play, we want to concentrate on our own game plan and play some running rugby, weather permitting.

“Lewis Robling has done very well since coming into the squad as a replacement for Adam Warren. He is a skilful ball player and that’s what we want at 12, another passing and kicking option.

“The boys have settled in well since arriving on Monday, enjoying a couple of good training sessions, despite the torrential rain all week.”

Wales U20 team v Argentina Friday 10 June, 18.10, Stadio Plebiscito, Padua (17.10 kick-off UK time, live coverage on S4C)

Steve Shingler (London Irish); Liam Williams (Llanelli), Owen Williams (Blues / Cardiff), Lewis Robling (Dragons / Newport), Eli Walker (Ospreys / Swansea); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys / Swansea), Jonathan Evans (Dragons / Newport); Rhodri Jones (Scarlets / Llanelli), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets / Llanelli), Will Taylor (Ospreys / Swansea), Macauley Cook (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Cory Hill (Blues / Pontypridd), Edward Siggery (Pontypridd), Luke Hamilton (Blues / Glamorgan), Ben Thomas (Ospreys / Bridgend).

Replacements: Lewis Smout (Blues / Pontypridd), WillGriff John (Blues/ Pontypridd), Lloyd Peers (Ospreys / Bridgend), Owen Sheppeard (Blues / Pontypridd), Lewis Jones (Blues / Pontypridd), Rheon James (Scarlets/ Carmarthen Quins), Iolo Evans (Scarlets / Llanelli)

King names strong Wales U18 squad to face Aussies

Posted on Nov 26, 2009 in Rugby News

Wales Under 18 head coach Simon King has named an experienced 26 man squad ahead of his side’s international against Australia Schools XV at Colwyn Bay on December 5 (Parc Eirias, 6pm).

The majority of the selected players were involved in the side last season with only four players, Cory Hill, Joseff Griffin, Callum Thomas and Harry Robinson (all Blues academy) hoping to get their first cap at this level.

Rhodri Jones and George North hail from Gwynedd and Anglesea respectively and will be desperate to run out in front of some local support if they get the nod next week.

King said, “It’s a great opportunity for all of us to be able to play against a national southern hemisphere side.

“As with the senior side, the more regular contact we have with these teams, the better. When these players come up against the same players at a later stage, they will be more confident having already met them.

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