Wales Clubs XV to face Wales U20

For the Wales Clubs XV it will be a return to the same Virginia Park ground on which they grabbed their first international victory over their French counterparts, 25-22, in the autumn.

Nine of the starting line-up against the French are set to face the U20 – Andrew Banfield (Lougher), Peter Smriglia (Loughor), Jamie Howells (Bargoed), Rhodri Jones (Garndiffaith), Leigh Meades (Bargoed), Anthony Lott (Bargoed, capt), Gareth Gore (Carmarthen Quins), Geraint Turner (Abercynon) and Lee Woods (Narberth).

Roberts is looking to see how his side fares against the top young talent in the Regional Academies.

“Rhodri Jones, Nathan Williams and Leigh Meades all gained age grade caps and will be relishing this opportunity to see how they compare to their counterparts from the elite end of the game,” said Roberts. “These players are only a couple of years older than the U20 players, most of whom are in the Academy set-up. It will be a good opportunity for all our players to test themselves, develop and take the experience back to their clubs.

“We have added a few players to our squad who have played for their region at community level and, following on from the success of the side against France in November, we are hoping to take part in an international community tournament in Spain next summer. This fixture will be a good chance to see players in a match environment before that time.”

The preparations for the Wales U20 side have been hampered by injuries and the double-edged sword of players being called up to play European rugby for their Regions.

Dragons forwards Lewis Evans and Jamie Corsi are ruled out through injury, while centre Ashley Smith will be involved in the region’s European Challenge Cup last eight bid in Bayonne on Saturday.

The Blues’ second row pair, Bradley Davies and James Down, are both injured, while Thomas James is involved with the Blues’ final Heineken Cup game against Bourgoin. Scarlets hooker Ken Owens is also out of contention as he is involved in his side’s Heineken Cup clash with London Irish on Sunday.

Wales U20 coach Dai Rees stated: “This is an important fixture because it will enable us to see the players in a match environment. However, our preparations have been complicated by injuries, regional call-ups and a limited amount of coaching time.”

Wales Clubs XV: Andrew Banfield (Loughor/Ospreys); Lewis Prothroe (Bargoed/Dragons), Gavin Ferguson (Pontypool/Dragons), Peter Smiriglia (Loughor/Ospreys), Dion Thomas (Whitland/Scarlets); Jamie Howells (Bargoed/Dragons), Rhodri Jones (Garndiffaith/Dragons); Nathan Williams (Narbeth/Scarlets), Leigh Meads (Bargoed/Dragons), Anthony Lott (Bargoed/Dragons, capt), Lee Williams (Newport Saracens/Dragons), Gareth Gore (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Geraint Turner (Abercynon/Blues), Paul Rees (Felinfoel/Scarlets), Lee Woods (Narbeth/Scarlets)

Replacements: Matt Lewis (Builth Wells/Blues), Nathan Gittins (Caerphilly/Dragons), Glen Hollaway (Llantrisant/Blues), Ross Jones (Bargoed/Dragons), Mark Jones (Pontyberem/Scarlets), Owen Cotton (Ynysybwl/Blues), Ryan Savage (Mountain Ash/Blues), Chris Jones (Narbeth/Scarlets), Andrew Packer (Newport Saracens/Dragons)

The Wales U20 side will be announced on Wednesday January 17th.