Wales U20's a golden generation? Discussion and profiles of the players.

Generally speaking you can't really gauge much from a nations U20 side, though after the 92-0 loss to New Zealand in last seasons Junior World Cup, Wales decided to start taking the competition seriously. Before the World Cup they put 119 points on Japan, before beating a stubborn Fiji, then over coming the All Blacks 9-6, before smashing Samoa. For only the second time in their history they have earned a top 4 ranking. Generally speaking if 6 players from a U20 squad make it as professionals you have done well, and if a further 3 go on to be capped then that is a good squad. Looking at this current crop of young Welsh players, it looks very special. I have reserched the team that will play tomorrow and some other players who I consider to be very promising. Many are already playing for their regions.


15 Ross Jones / Age 20 / 5'11" / 14st 2 lbs
Made his senior debut this season, playing 13 times for Bridgend. When Bridgend coach Steve Tandy took over the Ospreys, Jones was one of the players he took with him from the club. He played 5 games for the Ospreys (4 starts, 1 sub), including 2 full games against the Dragons. Is considered to be the person to finally solve the Ospreys full back problem, and can expect to be first choice next season.

14 Tom Prydie / Age 20 / 6'2" / 14st 2 lbs
Tom broke the record for the youngest ever players to play in the Heinaken Cup getting capped at 17 years, 292 days.
He also became the youngest ever Welsh international getting his first cap against Italy in 2010 (18 years, 25 days). He also broke the Welsh record for the youngest ever try scorer when he scored a try against South Africa in 2010. He also played twice against New Zealand on tour. Which accounts for his 4 caps so far.

Initially he broke into the Swansea RFC team in the 2009/2010 season playing 10 times, scorind 10 tries. He also played 4 times for the Ospreys (2 starts, 2 sub games) that season.
He played 5 games for Swansea in the 2010/2011 season as well as 7 games for the Ospreys ( 6 starts, 1 sub). His season was cut short on March 2011 when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which required surgical reconstruction of the ligament, and knee reconstruction surgery. He was expected to be out for 8 months, but came back by the end of September the same year. However the injury set him back in the Ospreys pecking order, he played only once for the Ospreys in the 2011/2012 season, and managed
10 games for Swansea, though has also been on Wales 7's duty for much of the season.

As a result of not playing much for the Ospreys this season he has left that region and signed for the Dragons, to replace the departing Aled Brew.

13 Jack Dixon / Age 17 / 6'2" / 15 st 10 lbs
Only 17 but already a huge lad if he grows much more will probably need to play lock! Became the youngest player to play inthe Rabo direct when he made a substitute appearence against Munster this season. He is also the youngest player ever to play inthe Lv Cup at 16 years 313 days when he played against Wasps.

Has played 3 senior games for the Dragons this season, as well as playing for Newport RFC in the Welsh Premiership.

12 Cory Allen / Age 19 / 6'4" / 15st 8 Lbs
Another massive player, who can cover both Full back or Center. Cory made his Cardiff RFC debut this season playing for them 15 times scoring 5 tries. He has also broken into the Blues squad, playing in all 3 LV Cup games, and is expected to take the place of Casey Laulala who has departed to Munster.

11 Eli Walker / Age 20 / 6'0" / 13 st 10 lbs
Eli initially made his senior debut for Swansea in the 2009/2010 season, playing 4 times, The following season (2010/2011) he played 16 times for Swansea and also made his debut for the Ospreys against Aironi.
This season (2011/2012) he has started to feature more for the Ospreys with Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams being away for the World Cup and he has managed 15 games for the Ospreys (14 starts, 1 sub). Though he has also managed 9 games for Swansea rfc as well.

He iss expected to be a first team regular for the Ospreys next season, having beaten off Tom Prydie who has gone to the Dragons, and Kristian Phillips who has left for the Scarlets.

10 Matthew Morgan / Age 20 / 5'8" / 11st 7 lbs
Matthew (aka Nipper) made his senior debut in the 2010/2011 season, he made 5 apperances for the Ospreys (4 starts, 1 sub), and 18 games for Swansea RFC.
This season 2011/2012 he has played 22 games for the Ospreys (9 starts, 13 sub apperances) as well as 3 games for Swansea rfc.
Already a crowd favorite at the Liberty and is pushing Dan biggar hard for a starting spot.

He loves to run into space and scores many tries, is a attacking fly half in the Phil Bennett mold.

9 Tom Habberfield / Age 20 / 5'10" / 12 stone 13 lbs
Tom has partnered Matthew Morgan at half back since primary school, and both have gone through respective school, clubs and regional teams together, which has led to a brilliant understanding between the two.

Tom made his Bridgend debut this season playing in 16 games. He has also been shunted to center when Bridgend have been struggling. Tom has also played in 3 LV Cup games for the Ospreys this season. He is currently 3rd choice Ospreys scrum half, though with Kahn Fotuali'i's contrct expiring at the end of next season, he could well be pushing Rhys Webb for a first team place, should the formers contract not be renewed.

8 Dan Baker / Age 19 / 6'2" / 17 stone 13 lbs
Dan Baker initially made his senior debut for Tonmawr in the 2010/2011 season, playing 3 times. As a result of being in the Ospreys academy he was drafted to Swansea rfc for the 2011/2012 season, playing 19 games.

He hasn't had any oppertunities for the Ospreys yet, due to their strength in depth, as well as Sam Lewis, James King and Morgan Allen seemingly being ahead of his as cover for the main squad.

7 Ellis Jenkins / Age 19 / 6'0" / 16 stone 3 lbs.
Eliis initially made his full Cardiff rfc debut in the 2010/2011 season playing 3 games. During the 2011/2012 his career has started to take off with him playing a further 11 times for Cardiff rfc, as well as making 2 appearances for the Blues in the LV Cup.

6 Luke Hamilton / Age 20 / 6'3" / 17 stone
Luke made his first senior start for Llandovery way back in the 2009/1010 season and was considered to be a lock, after 1 game for Llandoveryduring that season he was transfered to Llanelli rfc, and played 1 further game. due to a lack of first team chances he decided to leave Llanelli and the Scarlets academy and joined Glamorgan Wanderers for the following season. During the 2010/2011 season he was converted from Lock to blinsdie or No 8, he played 7 times for the Wanderers that season, however they were relegated from the Premiership, so he was signed for the Blues and Cardiff rfc for the 2011/2012 season. This season Luke has played 9 times for Cardiff rfc as well as breaking into the full Blues team, 4 times in the Rabo Direct, he played at Number 8 against Edinburgh scoring the try that secured their bonus point, and played well ithe home loss to the Ospreys. He has also featured in several LV Cup games including scoring a try in the thrilling 45-40 win over Harlequins.

5 Matthew Screech / Age 19 / 6'6" / 17 stone 5 lbs
Winner of the 2012 Blues Academy player of the year award. Screech is regarded as very promising. He has made 4 apperances for the Blues this season all as a substitute, 3 in the LV Cup and 1 in the Rabo direct. Though initially coming through the ranks at Pontypridd he was transferred to Cardiff rfc by the Blues academy at the start of this season and has played 19 games for them.

4 Rhodri Hughes / Age 18 / 6'6" / 17 stone 2 lbs
Rhodri made his first team debut this season for Swansea rfc, featuring in 2 games. He can play either in the back row or Lock.

3 Sampson Lee / Age 19 / 5'11" / 18 stone 2 lbs
Sampsons name first started cropping up at the very start of the season on the Ospreys forum, rumblings of a big, red haired prop, with a short fuse, who was from a traveller caravan park, and who is apparently as hard as nails. Sadly for the Ospreys he is attached to the Scarlets academy! Shortly after his name started cropping up on the Scarlets forum, and now a lot of Welsh fans are talking about him too.

Probably has a good chance of becoming a cult hero in Welsh rugby. He snarled at the Junior All Blacks during their Haka, and at the end of it they seemed to look more scared than us. During the game he went on to totally annailate Kiwi Loose head prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who himself is 6'4" and 19 stone 10 lbs. He bent him, twisted him and won many penalties for Wales inclusing the winning kick. Though his best highling was rampaging into a Kiwi driving maul only to buckle and get trampled by their entire pack like a rabbit under a herd of Wildebeest's, after getting stamped on and walloped he casually rolled out of the side of it, run back on side and slammed into the ruck again! I'm not sure if that's bravery or stupidity, but either way it's impressive!

2 Kirby Myhill / Age 20 / 6'0" / 16 stone 8 lbs
The talent that the Scarlets are unearthing in the hooker position is frankly amazing. This is the latest player off the production line. Initially with Carmarthen Quins, he was transfered to Llanelli rfc during the 2010/2011 season where he played 6 games. He also made 1 appearence as a sub during that season in the Magners league against Leinster.
For the 2011/2012 season he played 3 games for the Scarlets (4 starts, and 9 substitute apperances) he has played a further 16 games for Llanelli rfc this season as well.

1 Rob Evans / Age 20 / 6'2" / 18 stone 10 lbs
Currently signed to Carmarthen Quins and the Scarlets, he was shortlisted for the best Principality Premiership's Best Newcomer this season but lost out to Jordan Williams. Sadly I can find very little information on him.


Other notable players in the U20 set up.

Winger / Luke Morgan / Age 20 / 5'9" / 13 stone 1 lb
Signed a 3 season development contract with the Ospreys this season, after impressing at Bridgend Athletic. He was placed at Bridgend Ravens and has had a magnificent first season in the Premiership. 20 games played, and 17 tries scored. As well as making his Ospreys debut in the LV Cup against the Dragons. Generally has the Brewery field fans on their feet any time the ball is being passed in his direction.

Prop / WillGriff John / Age 19 / 6'2" / 18 stone 13 lbs
Nick named "Light weight" due to his small size, this product of Pontypridd was transfered to Cardiff rfc by the Blues academy in the 2010/2011 season where he made his debut playing in 1 game. During the 2011/2012 season he played a further 5 games. Born in Plymouth, England it will be interesting to see which country he decides to play for. We will probably hear more of him next season as he should also be eligible for next seasons U20 World Cup.

Lock / Jack Jones / Age 19 / 6'5" / 15 stone 4 lbs
Initially spotted at Tonmawr, he was drafted to Swansea rfc at the start of the 2011/2012 season. After his first 3 games he was appointed captain of Swansea, as regular captain Sam Kiley had suffered a serious injury and would be out for a very long time. Has made a fantastic impression on Swansea and regional honors won't be far behind. Has played 23 games for Swansea this season.

Fly Half / Sam Davies / Age 18 / 5'11" / 12 stone 13 lbs
Son of Nigel Davies the Scarlets coach, Sam has been first choice at Swansea this season, racking up 19 apperances. He signed a 3 year development contract with the Ospreys at the start of the season. He came on as a substitute during the Ospreys Lv Cup game against the Dragons. Amazingly he could still appear in the next Junior World Cups. Has been showing signs he could develop into a class player, hopefully that will happen over the next few years!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17137583

Killer_B_6 wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17137583

England are always good at this level. the question is how many of the Aviva clubs will give those kids a chance?

Killer_B_6 wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17137583

Yep, 5 of that team are still the starting 15.

Not really relevant to this team that beat the All Blacks to reach the SFs while England didn't reach them.

I'm surprised you haven't included Daniel Thomas in your list of other notable players. Has looked the part of a fetcher in most games I've seen him play. Not sure why Wilson has dropped him for the Baby Blacks rematch, is Ellis Jenkins generally a better openside flanker?

Knowsit17 wrote:I'm surprised you haven't included Daniel Thomas in your list of other notable players. Has looked the part of a fetcher in most games I've seen him play. Not sure why Wilson has dropped him for the Baby Blacks rematch, is Ellis Jenkins generally a better openside flanker?

Backs generally get selected younger than forwards, so getting information on the backs is much easier. Some of the forwards were difficult to trace.

Jenkins is a natural blindside. Thomas is an openside and is very highly thought of apparently.

Thought u mite have included jordan williams and evans the dragons sh as well. Interesting thread

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Thought u mite have included jordan williams and evans the dragons sh as well. Interesting thread

I wanted to concentrate more on the guys who are picked for the New Zealand game.

what a load of nonsense this thread turned out to be. we beat new zealand under 20's in appaling conditions that did not allowing for running rugby and the next thing you know were calling the lot the 'golden generation'. hopefully this loss can make the boys realise just how much work is needed to ever compete with the likes of new zealand.

welsh-matfield wrote:what a load of nonsense this thread turned out to be. we beat new zealand under 20's in appaling conditions that did not allowing for running rugby and the next thing you know were calling the lot the 'golden generation'. hopefully this loss can make the boys realise just how much work is needed to ever compete with the likes of new zealand.

No it was nothing to do with the New Zealand game, or even this loss. But looking at the players, the exposure they have had to top level rugby and the size of a lot of them there is potential for a few good international players there.

Sticking a team of kids together is one thing but adding a few of these lads to the regions will help them grow as players. Ross Jones, Eli Walker, Matthew Morgan etc will only benefit by being exposed to playing alongside Adam Jones, Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn-Jones.

Do you really think Cory Allen won't benefit by playing alongside Jamie Roberts next season? Or Luke Hamilton working alongside Sam Warburton?

You can't write off players after one loss to a good team who clicked on the day.

There are a number of good lads in this list. There a number to add to that list too.

Sampson Lee is impresive, Kirby Myhill has been great. Hamilton has done well. First half he was on the tip of the commentators tongue every play.

Tom Habberfield will be one to watch for sure. Huge array of skills, very talented.

maestegmafia wrote:There are a number of good lads in this list. There a number to add to that list too.

Sampson Lee is impresive, Kirby Myhill has been great. Hamilton has done well. First half he was on the tip of the commentators tongue every play.

Tom Habberfield will be one to watch for sure. Huge array of skills, very talented.

Whats very nice is we can talk about forwards for a change, we always expect backs to have talent, but to be able to pick out forwards is a rare treat.

I know a few of these lads such as Walker, Prydie and Morgan have already had exposure to the Magners/Rabo League and will get more but how many other have or will over the next couple of seasons.

Also after they are to old for the U20s what then? As we haven't got an A Side which they could progress onto to we run the risk of losing some of them becuase they won't have a platform to perform on and may not be getting exposure at Regional level.

Bedford

We need those lads in the premiership. They will mostly get academy contracts to regions and will start to get time in the LV=.

Most of the young stars in the welsh team have had the same stepping stone to their careers and it is working well.

Morning Maes,

I think you are right but not its down to financial reasons that these bunch of lads will get Regional game time.

I wonder how many we have lost since our A Side was dis banded

bedfordwelsh wrote:Morning Maes,

I think you are right but not its down to financial reasons that these bunch of lads will get Regional game time.

I wonder how many we have lost since our A Side was dis banded

I thought we had improved since the A-side disbanded..?

Got to run, flight to catch. Will jump back on later.

The last Wales U20 team to reach the semi finals, also faced the All Blacks and did slightly worse, losing 31 - 6.

In that team, these players went on to win Wales caps.

Leigh Halfpenny
Jonathon Davies
Rhys Webb
Dan Biggar
Justin Tipuric
Sam Warburton
Josh Turnball
Ryan Bevington
Scott Andrews

Dan Evans and Gareth Owen were also in that team.

All those players in your list have given a great deal to the improvements in Wales fortunes on the pitch.

I am sure this crop will be similar.

Thats not a bad percentage at all 606.

From what I seen of yesterdays game we seemed to have upper hand in the scrums so if the front row can make the break through that would be very good indeed.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Thats not a bad percentage at all 606.

From what I seen of yesterdays game we seemed to have upper hand in the scrums so if the front row can make the break through that would be very good indeed.

I would expect to see all three lads pushing for regional starting positions in the new season.

We had another crop of talented backrow halfbacks and centres on show as well.

Jack Jones grandson of the legend Brian Thomas and son of Neath and Swansea back rower Robin Jones. This lad will get better and better and is likely to be huge IMO.

Some good players, but a lot of them won't even make regional rugby

gowales wrote:Some good players, but a lot of them won't even make regional rugby

Why do you think that?

Half the squad already have regional contracts the others are good prem players.

A team of u20s won't all make international honours but from a good team, like the one posted above from a few years ago, we add strength to our depth.

From my knowledge 7 players have already had regional exposure from the starting line up alone (Ross Jones, Prydie, Dixon, Walker, Morgan, Hamilton and Myhill), and I know the Scarlets are talking very highly of Samson Lee and Dan Thomas in particular and will be giving them lots of exposure next season, I would also expect to see R Evans get gametime.
As maes says half of them already have regional contracts - we just need to see how many can claim a regional spot and compete for a Wales spot which is always a gamble and don't think anyone here is claiming these players WILL go on for international honours - but based on the fact that Prydie already has won a few caps and doesn't look head and shoulders above the other players in the team and looking at the previous team with Warbs, JD2 and the rest in, it's not a ridiculous statement to say some of this team COULD go on to play for Wales.

I think this is one area that the WRU should now have a serious look at. Its ok saying some of them have Regional contracts but how many will get meaningful games?

As a Dragons fan its great news that we have signed Prydie and I imagine he will get regular Rabo/Amlin exposure and likewise Eli Walker but what about the rest?

Maybe now is the time and for this generation of players that the WRU look at central contracts or along those lines so that these guys get meaningful game time

Good point bedford, but they should only get game time if they're good enough. Not just for the sake of playing young players.

Is this squad drastically different to the one that was beaten by France, England and Ireland in the U20's 6 nations?

From a Scarlets point of view, Myhill will get the same amount of gametime as last year - but only because he's behind Rees, Owens and Phillips, but we did get rid of Lawrence because Myhill was coming through.
As said I expect Samson Lee (and maybe Evans) to be brought into the squad and be put on the bench for quite a few Rabo games, especially during the AI's if they develop well, and then they may start games during the 6Ns - the season after next there seems high hopes for Lee that he could well be 1st/2nd choice prop, D Thomas is in the same boat as Lee though could be brought on a lot quicker as we haven't currently got an out and out 7 (other than pen machine Edwards).
Jordan Williams is also highly thought of and (apparently) can play anwhere in the backline from 10 to 15, he played on the wing and took the kicks for a recent u20s game. I can see him getting game time during the 6Ns and offering a very good option off the bench for the end part of the season. (have high hopes, and it's said one of the reasons Shingler went - besides the money - was because he had Priest/Jones in front of him but could see Jordan coming up fast behind him with rave reviews).

As I said who knows if they develop well enough to stake down a starting place for a region in the future let alone getting a Welsh cap but I'd be surprised if they didn't get a chance if some big games to show what they can do

Smirnoffpriest wrote:From a Scarlets point of view, Myhill will get the same amount of gametime as last year - but only because he's behind Rees, Owens and Phillips, but we did get rid of Lawrence because Myhill was coming through.
As said I expect Samson Lee (and maybe Evans) to be brought into the squad and be put on the bench for quite a few Rabo games, especially during the AI's if they develop well, and then they may start games during the 6Ns - the season after next there seems high hopes for Lee that he could well be 1st/2nd choice prop, D Thomas is in the same boat as Lee though could be brought on a lot quicker as we haven't currently got an out and out 7 (other than pen machine Edwards).
Jordan Williams is also highly thought of and (apparently) can play anwhere in the backline from 10 to 15, he played on the wing and took the kicks for a recent u20s game. I can see him getting game time during the 6Ns and offering a very good option off the bench for the end part of the season. (have high hopes, and it's said one of the reasons Shingler went - besides the money - was because he had Priest/Jones in front of him but could see Jordan coming up fast behind him with rave reviews).

As I said who knows if they develop well enough to stake down a starting place for a region in the future let alone getting a Welsh cap but I'd be surprised if they didn't get a chance if some big games to show what they can do

Ive only seen Lee play twice against the same Baby Black loosehead. Based on those performances he is quality and given the dearth of players at tighthead for the scarlets then I think he could get a lot of chances next season. He needs to improve his fitness and presence in the loose but he looks a very very destructive scrummager. Admittedly he was up against a player who had virtually no idea how to scrummage against the BBs. A little bit more composure at scrum time and we could have done some real damage.

How exactly did the scarlets get him he is a swansea boy?

How exactly did the scarlets get him he is a swansea boy?

I think he has a link with Gareth Gypo Jenkins, sold his parents a caravan or something

RubyGuby wrote:How exactly did the scarlets get him he is a swansea boy?

I think he has a link with Gareth Gypo Jenkins, sold his parents a caravan or something

"Big Fat Gypsy Prop", I can see the channel 4 show producers going for it.

I thought he might have had Irish blood but then I saw him perform in the front row and just knew he couldn't have

Mickado wrote:Is this squad drastically different to the one that was beaten by France, England and Ireland in the U20's 6 nations?

Only 5 players remained from the loss to England.