Wales have released their 18-man squad for the under 16 youth international against England this Wednesday at St. Mary’s Stadium in Sheffield (kick-off 4pm).
It’s an earlier start for what is normally a Good Friday international between the two countries and it’s the first time that it has been played in England at this point in the season.
Wales are still looking for their first win in this annual fixture after getting closer to England every year.
Last year they lost 18-24 with both sides scoring four tries but England’s more accurate goal-kicking seeing them through.
Wales coach Aled James said: “We as coaches have been impressed with the quality of players we have worked with this year. It has been very difficult process to finalise an 18.
“There were a number of boys who were unlucky not be selected and we only finalised the squad after Saturday’s session. We are very confident in the players we have selected and we hope that we can play to our potential. England, as always, will be very strong and organised we hope that we can be competitive and push them all the way. Speaking on behalf of all the coaches and players we can’t wait for the game on Wednesday.”
England coach Dave Elliott said: “Wales will put up a big fight so this is a fantastic opportunity for these lads to experience what it’s like to play in an international game.
“There are a lot of newcomers to the international environment in this (England) squad so we’re keen to see how they respond to the challenges put in front of them. We’ve got a lot of talented players at our disposal and we’re confident that they can get the results.”
All of the Wales players, with the exception of Ollie Vickers who is based in Telford, are in the South Wales Scorpions scholarship squad who are run by Wales Rugby League and kick off their 2012 club matches at the end of this month.
Wales side (Community Club and School)
Ben Jones (Bridgend Blue Bulls/Ysgol Llangynwyd), Regan Grace (Neath Port Talbot Steelers/St Joseph’s RC), Calvin Wellington (Neath Port Talbot Steelers/Dyffryn Comprehensive), Sam Farrer-Evans (Tydfil Wildcats/Cyfarthfa High School), Benoit Kamden (Cardiff Spartans/Mary Immaculate High School), Rhys Gant (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Cardinal Newman RC), Levi Quirke-Knowles (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg), Jake Thomas (Heolddu Comprehensive), Ollie Vickers (Telford Raiders/Church Stretton), James Little (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Y Pant Comprehensive), Joe Gage (Glynneath and Abercrave Giants/Ysgol Gyfun Comprehensive), Bradley Mais (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Cantonian High School), Jak Evans (Heolddu Comprehensive), Owain Lord (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Ysgol Bro Morgannwg), Connor Davies (Neath Port Talbot Steelers/Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera), Rhys Finney (Glyncoed Comprehensive School), Lewis Kirk (Panthers (Pontyclun)/Cantonian High School), Joe Festa (Glynneath and Abercrave Giants/Ysgol Gyfun Bryntawe)
England 20-man squad to face Wales (Professional Club, Community Club and School)
Connor Adams (Wigan Warriors/Telford Raiders/The Burton Borough School), Frederick Bailey (Midlands/Telford Raiders/Burton Burough), Ashley Bastiman (Hull FC/Skirlaugh Bulls/South Holderness College), Will Carlos (Huddersfield Giants/Stanley Rangers/Castle Hall Academy), Kane Ditchfield (Warrington Wolves/Crossfield/Bridgwater High), Gabriel Fell (Wigan Warriors/Rose Bridge/St John Fisher Catholic High School), Louis Foster (Widnes/Halton Hornets/Wade Deacon High School), Jordan Hill (NA/Leigh East/Lowton High School), Kieran Holt (Wakefield Wildcats/Stanley Rangers/Outwood Grange Academy), Jack Johnson (Warrington Wolves/Saddleworth Rangers/Audenshaw School), Joseph Keyes (London Broncos/Brentwood Elvers/Leventhorpe Academy), Ryan Langton (Hull FC/Skirlaugh Bulls/Kingswood College), Lewis Lord-Lowe (Leeds Rhinos/York Acorn/Tadcaster Grammar School), Aron Manger (Leeds Rhinos/Siddal/The Brooksbank School Sports College), Frazer Morris (Huddersfield Giants/Meltham All Blacks/Honley High), Bradley Thompson (Salford/Kells ARLFC/Whitehaven School), Harry Tyson-Wilson (Hull FC/Skirlaugh Bulls/Sirius Academy), Jacob Ware (Leeds Rhinos/Westgate Wolves/Outwood Grange Academy), Dominic Wear (Wigan Warriors/Kells ARLFC/St Benedicts Catholic High School), Kane Young (North East/Durham Tigers/Framwellgate School of Durham)