It is an experienced squad at this level with the clear aim of the tour to prepare many of the group for the next step on the international pathway – the Under 20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.
There are just seven uncapped players – wings Ianto Parry (RGC), Teri Morgan-Gee (Blues) and Josh Hodson (Dragons), outside half Callum Hall (Blues), second row Bryce Morgan (Dragons) and back rows Aled Ward (Blues) and Joshua Macleod (Scarlets). Calum Haggett will captain the side.
Wales begin the tour with a Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday 7 August. They then face Italy in another capped match at George on Tuesday 11 August before returning to Cape Town to play South Africa A on Saturday 15 August. Highlights of all three matches will be shown on S4C.
WRU National Performance Manager Gethin Watts said, “The Under 18 development tour is a fantastic experience for these players. They will be exposed to training and playing in a professional environment in conditions that replicate a global, international competition which supports our aim of developing high quality players for regional and international rugby in Wales.
“In particular, the experience of playing South African opposition twice in the space of eight days will be of huge benefit to them as they bid to step up to Under 20 level international rugby next season, where they will come across southern hemisphere sides at the World Rugby U20 Championship.”
Chris Horsman, James Chapron and Wales Women head coach Rhys Edwards will complete Lewis’ coaching team for this tournament.
Sue Butler, S4C’s Head of Sport said, “We are delighted to be broadcasting these three Wales Under 18 games. It underlines our commitment to showing rugby on all levels, from colleges rugby and club rugby to the Guinness PRO12, European Champions Cup and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.”
Wales Under 18 development squad for South Africa:
Forwards:
Kieron Assirrati (Blues / Coleg y Cymoedd / Wattstown), Steff Thomas (Scarlets / Coleg Sir Gar), Gerwyn Coleman (Blues / Cymoedd/ Penygraig), Rhys Fawcett (Scarlets / Llandovery), Leon Brown (Dragons / Cross Keys/ Newport High), Corey Domachowski (Blues / Tonyrefail Comp/ Gilfach Goch), Ellis Shipp (Dragons / Coleg Gwent / Penallta), Callum Bradbury (Blues / Cymoedd / Beddau), Shane Lewis Hughes (Blues / Cymoedd / Ystrad Rhondda), Aled Ward (Blues / Cowbridge / Cardiff Quins), Morgan Sieniawski (Blues / Cymoedd/ Beddau), Calum Haggett (captain, Blues / Coleg y Cymoedd / Gilfach Goch), Joshua Macleod (Scarlets / Bro Gwaun / Crymych), Shaun Evans (Scarlets/ Coleg Sir Gar), Bryce Morgan (Dragons / Newport High School/ Caerleon)
Backs:
Efan Jones (RGC/ Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham), Matthew Aubrey (Ospreys / Gower College / Pontarddulais), Rhun Williams (RGC / Brynrefail/ Caernarfon), Kieran Williams (Ospreys / Ystalyfera/ Glynneath), Connor Edwards (Dragons / Newport High School / Croesyceiliog), Teri Morgan-Gee (Blues/ Cymoedd/Rumney) Callum Hall (Blues/ Cymoedd), Billy McBryde (Scarlets / Sir Gar/ Llanelli), Danny Cross (RGC / Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham), Ianto Parry (RGC/ Llandrillo/ Pwllheli), Josh Hodson (Dragons / Llandovery College)
S4C highlights programmes:
South Africa U18 v Wales:
Friday 7 August 10.30pm, S4C
Website: s4c.cymru
Wales U18 v Italy
Tuesday 11 August 9.30pm, S4C
South Africa A v Wales
Saturday 15 August 10.00pm, S4C
