Wales Under 20s name Six Nations squad as new signing from New Zealand called up
New Ospreys signing Ieuan Cornelius has been named in a 41-man Wales U20s squad for the Six Nations.
Cornelius was born in Wellington, New Zealand, but was brought up on the Gold Coast in Australia and qualifies for Wales courtesty of his dad who hails from Morriston in Swansea. The Ospreys annouced the signing of the 19-year-old from the Queensland Reds academy in November and he has been playing for Swansea RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru.
After impressing for Wales U20s in warm-ups against Scotland U20s and the Regional U23s Academy XV he has won a place in the full squad for the Six Nations. At 6ft 2in Cornelius has the size and power to make his mark on the professional game while he also has plenty of speed and is an extremely talented footballer.
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The Welsh Rugby Union have previously come under fire for not doing enough to win the race for dual-qualified players with former Wales U20s wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's decision to represent England at senior level angering fans. Cornelius is the type of player both the WRU and its four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - have targeted in a bid to expand Welsh rugby's talent pool.
There are 12 English-based players in Richard Whiffin's squad for the U20s Six Nations with Leicester Tigers backrower Harry Beddall named as captain. Whiffin has also included Exeter Chiefs lock Luke Evans who recently represented England U18s.
Promising Cardiff centre Steffan Emanuel has been named vice-captain, while 18-year-old Tom Bowen who has impressed for the Blue & Blacks in both the United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup is also included.
“We said we wanted to give everyone opportunities and I think we’ve now got strength in depth in certain positions where there is going to be real stiff competition for places," said Whiffin.
"Our outside backs and our back five is really strong and we’re starting to build up strength in other key areas. Those guys have obviously played at this level before and can help the younger guys with their experience.
“They know how rigorous the tournament is and how quick the games come and they’ll certainly be able to provide that experience but also we have a good cohort that have come through the U18s last year and a lot have graduated together so they’ll bring something different to the party. Our first two games against France and Italy are a Saturday into a Friday, so there is a tight turnaround, and a bit of travel involved.
“We’ve really focussed on preparation in the lead up weeks knowing that when we get to the Test weeks it’s going tough, and we’ll need to rotate the squad to give guys chances and make sure we are fresh and competitive in two tough away trips at the start.
“And when we come back from those two away games, we’re looking forward to two big games at home at Newport and Cardiff Arms Park where we hoping for big home support against the Irish and English.”
Wales begin their campaign with consecutive away games to France and Italy before hosting Ireland at Rodney Parade in round three. They then travel to Scotland before completing their championship against England at Cardiff Arms Park in round five.
Wales U20s squad:
Forwards - Ioan Emanuel (Bath), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Harrison Bellamy (Gloucester), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Saul Hurley (Aberavon), Evan Wood (Cardiff Met), Lewis Jones (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Owain James (Dragons), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Will Evans (Scarlets), Dylan Alford (Scarlets/RGC), Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), Tom Cottle (RGC), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), Dan Gemine (Ospreys), Arthur Moore (Cardiff Met), Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Caio James (Gloucester), Ryan Jones (Dragons), Evan Minto (Dragons).
Backs - Logan Franklin (Dragons), Sion Davies (Cardiff), Carwyn Edwards (Cardiff Met), Harri Wilde (Cardiff) Harri Ford (Dragons), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Elis Price (Scarlets), Elijah Evans (Cardiff), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears), Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons), Tom Bowen (Cardiff), Ieuan Cornelius (Ospreys), Scott Delnevo (Aberavon), Lewis Edwards (Ospreys), Iori Badham (Scarlets), Jack Woods (Bath).