Prop Josh Morse is included as one of four Scarlets in the Wales U20s squad to take on Ireland at Virgin Media Park in Cork for the third round of the 2024 Under 20s Men’s Six Nations on Friday night. (KO 19:15, S4C).
The strong-scrummaging loose-head featured for the U20s during last summer’s World Championship and packs down alongside Harry Thomas, who made his senior Scarlets debut last weekend.
The bench includes back-rower Will Plessis – who featured in the Scarlets’ friendly against Exeter Chiefs – and Macs Page, who is named for a third successive match.
Defending Grand Slam champions Ireland suffered a fright against Italy before squeezing home 23-22 in their last game which means Wales are expecting the home side to come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders.
“They have an all-court game, they move the ball outstandingly well and threaten you with the ball as well as having a good kicking game,” said head coach Richard Whiffin.
“They also possess a good aerial threat and set-piece wise you can’t switch off. They will cause us problems all across the field but that is nothing that we aren’t ready for and we’re looking forward to going up against them.”
Wales U20s v Ireland U20s – Virgin Media Park, Friday 23rd February, KO 7.15pm (S4C)
15 Huw Anderson (Dragons RFC)
14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC)
13 Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby)
12 Harri Ackerman (Dragons RFC – Capt)
11 Walker Price (Dragons RFC)
10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby);
1 Josh Morse (Scarlets)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
3 Sam Scott (Midlands Central)
4 Jonny Green (Harlequins)
5 Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC)
6 Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers)
7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers)
8 Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby)
Replacements
16 Will Austin (Sale Sharks), 17 Jordan Morris (Dragons), 18 Kian Hire (Ospreys), 19 Owen Conquer (Ebbw Vale), 20 Will Plessis (Scarlets), 21 Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys), 22 Harri Ford (RGC), 23 Macs Page (Scarlets).