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Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales U20s claim hard-fought win over Spain U20s
Wales U20s snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to claim a hard-fought 35-25 victory over Spain U20s in Verona. Richard Whiffin's side were staring down the barrel of what would have been an embarrassing defeat at half-time but they regained their composure to edge out impressive Spain. Wales must now wait on other results to determine whether they enter the 5th-8th placed play-offs or the 9th-12th placed play-offs of the World Rugby U20s Championship. If they were to drop into the 9th-12th section then relegation to the second-tier World Rugby Trophy would be the worst case scenario. Wales had to dig deep to overcome Spain with tries from Evan Wood, Caio James, Sion Davies and Jack Woods along with a penalty try enough to claim a bonus point victory. Oriol Marsinyac Garcia, Liam McNamee and Manex Pujana Lendinez claimed Spain's tries. Nicolas Infer opened the scoring for Spain from the kicking tee but Wales hit back when Ellis Price sliced through the defence before offloading to Ellis Lewis. Spain were forced to concede a penalty which prompted Wales to go for the corner and set up a strong driving lineout which resulted in a penalty try. To rub further salt into Spanish wounds Guardin Gonzalez Ciscar got sent to the sin bin for illegally sacking the lineout. The Wales backs looked very good and they should have scored a second but Aidan Boshoff ignored an unmarked man on his outside in the Spain 22. But they were playing penalty advantage with Lewis taking it quickly before the ball was knocked on just short of the try line. Wales claimed their second try soon after when Wood powered over from short-range off the back of another strong driving lineout. But Spain clicked into gear as their backs proceeded to rip Wales to shreds out wide. On one occasion right-wing Pablo Mateos raced clear before chipping over the top of the Wales defence but Beltran Ortega failed to hold onto the offload. But Spain also had an effective route one approach and had a try disallowed by the TMO after they succeeded in muscling their way over the line. However, they finally got their just rewards when impressive outside centre Garcia hit a tremendous angle to score with Infer adding the extras. Infer knocked over the conversion to cut Wales' lead to a mere point. Wales' task got tougher when scrum-half Lewis got sent to the sin bin for tackline a man without the ball. All the momentum was with Spain as loosehead prop Hugo Gonzalez hit a phenomenal line to charge into the Wales 22. After a period of pressure second-row McNamee claimed Spain's second try with Infer's conversion leaving Wales trailing 18-14 at the interval. Wales started the second-half strongly and regained the lead when industrious openside flanker James showed his strength to muscle over from short range. Whiffin's side began to flex their muscles with a lovely break from Harri Ford putting replacement scrum-half Davies over for a try. But Spain refused to throw in the towel and after some nice handling, powerful No 8 Lendinez crossed for a try. Wales put the result beyond doubt when James charged clear down the blindside to put Woods over for a try which Ford converted from the touchline. Wales Under-20s: Lewis Edwards; Elijah Evans, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Elis Price, Aidan Boshoff; Harri Wilde, Ellis Lewis; Ioan Emanuel, Evan Wood, Jac Pritchard, Luke Evans, Nick Thomas, Deian Gwynne, Caio James, Harry Beddall (capt). Replacements: Jake Bowen, Owain James, Sam Scott, Dan Gemine, Evan Minto, Sion Davies, Harri Ford, Jack Woods.
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales U20s v Spain Live: Score updates, team news and TV channel
Richard Whiffin has made wholesale changes to his Wales U20s side for their final pool game of the World Rugby U20s Championship against Spain U20s today. Wales need to win to avoid the threat of getting relegated into the second tier World Rugby Trophy competition next season. Whiffin's side have played very well in patches but ultimately slipped to two narrow defeats against both Argentina and France. The challenge for Wales this time round is to pick up the full five points to ensure they play in the second tier of the knock-out phase. Never before have they been placed in the 9th-12th Place Play-Off section, when the bottom four sides have had to battle to avoid relegation. The Spaniards are currently one point ahead of Wales after picking up two bonus points in their defeat to Los Pumitas. Whiffin has made 10 changes with outside-half Harri Wilde and wing Elijah Evans the only backs who retain their places in the starting XV. Ospreys full-back Lewis Edwards wins his first cap Scarlets' Elis Price and Cardiff's Osian Darwin-Lewis start in midfield. New Swansea RFC signing Ellis Lewis replaces Sion Davies at scrum-half. Up front prop Ioan Emanuel, flanker Deian Gwynne and captain Harry Beddall are the only forwards who retain their starting places. Evan Wood comes in at hooker while Jac Pritchard starts at tighthead prop with Luke Evans and Nick Thomas at lock. The game is only live on Rugby Pass TV with kick-off at 2.30pm. You can follow updates below this afternoon Wales Under-20s: Lewis Edwards; Elijah Evans, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Elis Price, Aidan Boshoff; Harri Wilde, Ellis Lewis; Ioan Emanuel, Evan Wood, Jac Pritchard, Luke Evans, Nick Thomas, Deian Gwynne, Caio James, Harry Beddall (capt). Replacements: Jake Bowen, Owain James, Sam Scott, Dan Gemine, Evan Minto, Sion Davies, Harri Ford, Jack Woods.
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Jenkins makes Wales job admission and Welsh talent jets out hoping to 'make mark'
Today's rugby news as Jenkins makes Wales job admission and Welsh talent jets out hoping to 'make mark' The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Wales defence coach Gethin Jenkins (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, June 24. Jenkins: I had to think twice about returning Wales interim defence coach Gethin Jenkins says he had to think twice about returning to the national team's coaching setup for this summer's tour of Japan - having previously left the role in 2022 following the re-appointment of Warren Gatland. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Cardiff coach will look after Wales' defence for their two-Test tour next month, having previously been a part of Wayne Pivac's coaching staff. However, as Wales prepare to fly to Japan this week, the former Wales and Lions prop admitted he had to give the return to the international game some serious thought. "It was something I had to think about," he said. "Matt (Sherratt) asked me in Cardiff when we were walking for a coffee between sessions. "The people that were doing it was probably the main attraction, with him leading it. It's hard to turn down that opportunity. "Five or six weeks where you put everything into it that you can. Go back to Cardiff and then it's business as usual. Article continues below "The only thing I'm giving up is my time off in the summer, but you're always thinking rugby anyway and I'm looking forward to it." Jenkins admitted that he had "probably not" missed international rugby, adding that he's "actually enjoyed coaching at club level, playing different teams week-in, week-out". However, as he returns to Wales' coaching ticket, he says he's a better coach for his time at the Arms Park. "I think I've learned a lot going back to Cardiff under Matt and other coaches there," he added. "Working week-in, week-out at club or region gives you more of a grounding. "Going straight into it at national level is quite tough. It was enjoyable because of the buzz of coaching your country, the pressure of international games. "No bigger feeling. Learned a lot from Matt in his day-to-day coaching and how puts himself across. "I'm taking things on board all the time in how I progress myself as a coach. I'm seven years into my coaching career, which is still not a lot, so I like to think I'm learning all the time." Welsh youngster looking to make his mark Scarlets youngster Elis Price says he is hoping to "make his mark" as he prepares to fly out to Italy with the Wales squad for the World Rugby U20s Championship today. Price - who can play at fly-half or in the centre - is following in the footsteps of his older brother Jac, who currently represents the senior Scarlets side in the second row and famously defeated the All Blacks at the U20s Championship in 2019. Having missed out on selection last year, the 19-year-old is keen to take his opportunity with both hands this summer. 'Missing out last year was a bit of a setback," he said. "But I've come back stronger and hopefully I can make my mark and take my opportunities. "There is a lot of talent in the group and I think we can definitely cause a few upsets.' His Scarlets senior academy team-mate Jac Pritchard, who is also following in the footsteps of his older brother Tomas by playing at the U20s Championship, added: "It is a proud moment for myself and all my family, who have made a lot of sacrifices for me to have these opportunities. "I am excited by the prospect of going out there and following in the footsteps of my brother, which is another proud moment.' Meanwhile, Scarlets hooker Harry Thomas - who was part of the Wales U20s squad in South Africa last summer - added: "It is what I've been working towards all year and I'm really excited to rip into it. "We have been working hard as a group during the Six Nations, working on areas that need improving and are ready to go." Lions star issues warning after touching down in Oz By PA Sport Staff Ollie Chessum has warned his British and Irish Lions team-mates they will have a target on their backs throughout their tour to Australia. Andy Farrell's men face Western Force in Perth on Saturday in the first fixture Down Under following their send off against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Argentina celebrated a maiden victory over the Lions in eight attempts after emerging 28-24 winners and Chessum knows all opponents will be eager to claim a special scalp. "For people playing against the Lions, this is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the England forward, who is on course to make his debut for the tourists this weekend. "I'm sure that for the Western Force lads and all the teams we face in the future, to be part of a team that beats the Lions would be massive. "We expect that from everyone we face, but we also expect to put the best of ourselves out there. "If I get the opportunity, I'm like everyone in the camp - chomping at the bit to put on the shirt and play for the Lions." Enemies have become friends in Perth as Chessum revealed he has been rooming with Joe McCarthy, the Ireland second row he has battled since they were teenagers. "I'm with big Joe, so it's two young locks have been paired together. They're big beds and there's a nice bit of space in the room," Chessum said. "It's a bit surreal. We played against each other when I was with England county schoolboys, so not even the academy pathway. Joe was playing for the Irish equivalent. "We played against each other at Donnybrook, which we drove past when we had our stint together in Dublin last week. "To be rooming together on a Lions tour six or seven years after we were playing against each other at Donnybrook is cool." WRU announce grassroots funding overhaul The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a radical overhaul of the way community rugby clubs are funded, in a bid to future-proof the grassroots game and better reward both on and off-field success. The new funding model—set to be fully operational by the 2026/27 season—will see a minimum of £2.84 million allocated annually to the WRU's 276 member clubs. While the total funding amount remains unchanged, the way in which it will be distributed is being transformed. For the first time, clubs will be assessed not just on rugby performance but also on off-field achievements such as governance, inclusivity, and sustainability. The union say the aim is to create more resilient, well-run and community-focused clubs across Wales. 'This new model will transform club rugby in Wales,' said John Manders, WRU board member and chair of the community game board. 'We're not changing the amount of funding, but we are making sure it's used in a more transparent and equitable way—rewarding the good work clubs do off the pitch as much as what happens on it.' The shake-up follows a 12-month review led by WRU executive director of community, Geraint John. A nationwide consultation process included visits to all nine WRU districts and engagement with club representatives and external stakeholders. The final proposal has now been signed off by the WRU board. The new system sets the following targets for clubs to hit by 2030: 95% of clubs to have a formal Club Development Plan ensuring financial stability 95% to implement an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan 100% to carry out regular self-assessments to maintain high governance and operational standards To support the transition, a new five-tier accreditation framework will be introduced. This will link financial support to progress in areas such as safeguarding, volunteer development, and facility management. Article continues below 'We're shifting the focus to culture, inclusion and governance as much as performance,' said John. 'This is about recognising and incentivising clubs that build strong community links, offer safe and welcoming environments, and take a forward-looking approach to running their operations.' A new volunteer coordinator role will also be created to help clubs attract, support and reward the volunteers who are vital to grassroots rugby.
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales announce strongest squad in years as young talent returns for huge summer
Wales announce strongest squad in years as young talent returns for huge summer Wales U20s head out to Italy this summer for the World Championships Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin (left) with outside-half Harri Wilde (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Richard Whiffin has named the strongest Wales U20s squad for years to compete in this summer's World Rugby U20s Championship. Wales have been drawn in a tough pool alongside Argentina U20s, France U20s and Spain U20s but there is every reason to believe they can be very competitive in Italy this summer. Whiffin's side impressed during the U20s Six Nations with victories over Italy, Ireland and world champions England. Outstanding openside flanker Harry Beddall retains the captaincy, while they have also been boosted by the return of powerful Dragons second-row Nick Thomas who missed most of the Six Nations through injury. There are 10 players based outside of Wales in the squad, including Exeter Chiefs lock Luke Evans who recently changed his allegiance from England to the men in red. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The likes of Cardiff wing Tom Bowen, Bristol Bears speedster Aidan Boshoff, centre Steffan Emanuel, props Ioan Emanuel and Sam Scott, along with Scarlets hooker Harry Thomas, are just a few players to watch out for. Wales warmed up for the tournament with a defeat to England at Pontypool Park and a comfortable victory over Italy at the Arms Park. Article continues below 'I think it is a very balanced squad with some quality experience returning from last year and some added emphasis from guys who have performed well during the Six Nations,' said Whiffin. 'We've got a pack that we feel can really deliver at the World Cup and look to be dominant at both the scrum and line-out and as a team we fully understand how we want to play. "We've got some fantastic workrate in our outside backs that will not only get the ball back for us but be a real threat when we've got the ball. 'I think we've seen over the course of the Six Nations and these warm-up games we've got a set of backs that will put us in the right areas of the field and be smart with how we want to play.' Whiffin used more than 40 players in the two warm-up games against world champions England and Italy before finalising his squad for the global tournament where his side start their Pool B fixtures against Argentina before facing France and Spain. 'Those games allowed us to challenge ourselves in different areas,' explained Whiffin. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "The England game at Pontypool was always going to be tough on the back of what was a really tough training week and then to challenge ourselves against the world champs was brilliant. 'I thought it cemented a few thoughts in our heads - 14-14 at 60 minutes I thought we had competed well and then we had a very polished performance against Italy - the fact we managed to get 40-plus players game-time over those two games gave the coaches and myself the ammunition we needed to pick the squad. 'We're excited about the championship but we still have a week's training ahead of us before we get on the plane for Italy but we've done the hard work in terms of whittling down what was a really strong training squad to the 30 selected." But Wales have been dealt a blow with talented scrum-half Logan Franklin and wing Harry Rees-Weldon ruled out of the tournament through injury. Neath scrum-half Ellis Lewis is the only uncapped player in the squad. 'I think the pleasing thing is the boys are confident and they know they can go out there and compete with so called top teams in the competition and we're not afraid," said Whiffin. "We're going out there saying we want to get into that top semi-final bracket and once you get into that bracket you never know what's going to happen. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. 'It means we'll need to play well and back those performances up but the boys are confident and we were close last year but didn't get over the line – I think we've proved in the Six nations we can knock over some of those tighter games so hopefully we can see that in the World Cup." Article continues below Wales U20s squad: Ioan Emanuel (Bath), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Saul Hurley (Aberavon), Evan Wood (Pontypool), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Owain James (Dragons), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Tom Cottle (Cardiff), Dan Gemine (Ospreys), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), Harry Beddall (Dragons - Captain), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Dragons), Sion Davies (Cardiff), Ellis Lewis (Neath), Harri Wilde (Cardiff), Harri Ford (Dragons), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Elis Price (Scarlets), Elijah Evans (Cardiff), Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears), Lewis Edwards (Ospreys), Jack Woods (Bath), Tom Bowen (Cardiff).
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The best young Welsh players ready to take on the world this summer
The best young Welsh players ready to take on the world this summer Wales U20s are confident they can go deep into the World Rugby U20s Championship this summer Wales U20s wing Aidan Boshoff will be an important player this summer (Image: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans Agency ) Wales' best young rugby talents will compete at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy this summer and will want to lay down a marker. Richard Whiffin's side made great strides during the U20s Six Nations, claiming victories over Italy U20s, Ireland U20s and England U20s, respectively, so will be full of confidence when they travel out to Italy. They have been drawn in a difficult pool alongside France U20s, Argentina U20s and Spain U20s but will be confident of giving a good account of themselves. Whiffin will name his full squad on Tuesday but it would be a shock if he moved away from the bulk of the players who did well in the U20s Six Nations. Here are the players who could really kick on in Italy. Harri Wilde The Cardiff outside-half is a talented footballer with all the raw materials needed to make an impact as a professional over the next couple of seasons. Wilde is a triple threat player who has the speed and agility to break the line while his passing game is also very good and he has a lot of peripheral vision. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below The 20-year-old has blown hot and cold in the past but everything came together in that famous Six Nations victory over England at the Arms Park in March. It was Wilde's chip over the top of the England defence which resulted in a try for Steffan Emanuel while his pass at the line released Tom Bowen down the touchline to put Harry Rees-Weldon over for a score. He will face competition from Harri Ford but Wilde will be a key player for Wales this summer. Sam Scott Warren Gatland saw huge potential in the tighthead prop as does Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam. The Bristol prop is a very good scrummager who gets through tons of work around the park, Scott's numbers were very high throughout the Six Nations whether through tackling, carrying or his work at the breakdown. Welsh rugby in general are short of strong scrummaging tightheads but Scott is a player with an extremely high ceiling. If Wales are going to go deep into the World Cup this summer then they are going to need a solid platform at the set-piece which means Scott is a player of paramount importance. Harry Thomas The Scarlets hooker was outstanding throughout the U20s Six Nations and was named player of the match for his efforts in that stunning victory over England U20s. Thomas is a very dynamic and powerful carrier who does not find it hard making significant post contact metres. In Wales' backs against the wall 20-12 victory over Ireland U20s at Rodney Parade Thomas made a remarkable 22 tackles while he is also a jackal threat at the breakdown. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free His throwing in does need to be a little more consistent but the 20-year-old has all the attributes needed to develop into a top class professional over the next few seasons. Aidan Boshoff The 19-year-old wing will head into the World Championship in red-hot form after claiming a brace of tries in the 47-19 victory over Italy U20s at the Arms Park last Friday. Boshoff bases his game on a high-work rate and excels in the air, defensively and on the kick-chase. The Bristol Bears wing is another young Welshman rated by Pat Lam who believes he has a big future ahead of him. Boshoff is also not short of gas and is an excellent finisher but there is nothing flashy about the long-haired wing who relishes the physical confrontations. With Harry Rees-Weldon ruled out through injury there will be an onus on Boshoff and Cardiff wing Tom Bowen to get on the scoreboard as often as possible. Luke Evans If Wales are to mix it with the likes of England, France and South Africa this summer they will have to win the physical confrontations. That is where the likes of Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans come in. Evans is a giant at 6ft 8in so clearly has the size to make a big impact and is exactly the profile of second-row which is in short supply in Wales. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Having represented England U18s he has decided to switch his allegiance back to Wales which can only be seen as a positive. Article continues below He is an excellent lineout forward who carries a lot of ball and is highly rated by the Wales coaches.
