Having used more than 50 players in two developmental fixtures against Scotland – they won the first at home 31-7 and went down 45-43 in Edinburgh – the Welsh youngsters will face two physical tests against an Under 23 team selected from the senior academies at the four regions.
“We wanted to give the players a physical test ahead of our opening game against France in Vannes and to try to make life difficult for them,” said Wales U20 team manager Andy Lloyd.
“The two games will be against players who have featured in the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition and who have played in the U20 side in recent seasons.
“We expect the two games at Cardiff Arms Park and Llandovery’s Church Bank ground to be highly competitive and the Regional side will spend two weeks together working under Gareth Williams, a former Wales U20 coach.
“As well as giving this year’s team a taste of what they can expect to face this year in the Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship, it will also provide the Academies XV with a chance to push for contracts and places in their senior sides.
“It is an exercise the four regions have got fully behind this new venture and we’re hoping the fans will come out to support the two games. We had more than 2,000 packed into The Wern for the game against the Scots and we’re hoping for more of the same for the next two games.”
Last season Whiffin’s side played a game against Aberavon to warm up for the main event, but this year’s two outings are likely to be even more helpful. Wales were beaten 29-11 by France at last summer’s World Rugby event and seven of the side who played that day will be returning this year.
Behind the scrum Steff Emanuel, Aiden Boshoff, Harri Ford, Harri Wilde and Elijah Evans are all still available, while forwards Nick Thomas and Sam Scott are also still young enough. Other players back for more are Harry Rees-Weldon and Ioan Emanuel.
Steff Emanuel and Thomas have already played regional rugby this season in the EPCR Challenge Cup, while Cardiff Rugby speedster Tom Bowen is another set to shine in his first year in the age group. He made a try scoring debut against the Cheetahs in the Challenge Cup.
Ospreys back row man Morgan Morse is young enough for a third year of U20 rugby and a decision has yet to be made on whether or not he will figure again this season. He has recovered from an injury to return to senior action with his region and he may remain at that level.
The two warm-up fixtures both kick-off at 7.30pm with tickets at £5 and U16s free (accompanied by an adult). The game at the Arms Park is on Friday 10 January and at Church Bank, Llandovery on Friday 17 January.
