Richard Whiffin’s side will play Welsh Academies at Cardiff Arms Park on January 10 and a week later head to Llandovery’s Church Bank to play their second game against the combination.
“We’re really pleased with the collaboration with the regions – they’re giving us an opportunity to get a couple of fixtures against some real tough opposition,” explained Whiffin.
The Welsh Academies will be coached by Scarlets’ Gareth Williams and will involve the region’s top performers from Super Rygbi Cymru, along with Exiles players as well.
“It’s awesome for us to get a couple of home games under our belts as it is an opportunity for our 20s boys to put their hand up to get selected for those early games against France and Italy in the Six Nations,” said Whiffin, before adding, “it’s also a great way for guys that are out of 20s and in that 23s team to keep putting their hand up for more regional and national selection.”
Whiffin gave the regions a huge pat on the back for their co-operation in getting the two fixtures arranged.
“It shows that we’re really aligned, especially within the pathway. The regional academies understand we all need to work together and I think the fact that they’re offering up their players and offering up their coaches to help get this Under 23 team functional for a two week window to play against the U20s is testament to that – it’s going to be great prep for us but again it shows alignment and collaboration that the regions are buying into what we’re trying to put on as a pathway development process,” he said.
“It’s really good collaboration from the regions with all four regions providing coaches and backroom staff for the U23s – the management team will be headed up by Gareth Williams from the Scarlets and it’s great to see every region is involved in the set-up.”
“We put the fixtures together for two reasons – one, we obviously wanted to play really strong opposition for the U20s – we wanted to play an older team to prepare us for some physical tests early in the Six Nations against France and Italy – both away games.
“But also, we wanted an opportunity for those players that are out of the 20s age group to still put a welsh shirt on and understand that they’re still within the pathway and that the national selectors are still looking at them so it gives them a chance to put their hands up for regional and further honours.”
Wales U20s travel to France and Italy before playing their first home game of the U20 Six Nations at Rodney Parade on Friday 21 Feb against Ireland. They then travel to Scotland for round four before completing their campaign against England at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday 14 March.
Wales U20 v Ireland U20 tickets available here
Wales U20 v England U20 tickets available here
