France U20
France U20 will kick-off their U20 Six Nations campaign this weekend in Vannes against Wales U20.
For the opening round, Cedric Laborde has named Corentin Mézou as captain, as he starts in the second-row. Mézou will be suported by the half-back pairing of Baptiste Tilloles and Diego Jurd.
The French u20 side features a handful of players who have already played under-20 Six Nations match, like Robin Taccola, a player from RC Vannes, who will play in front of his home crowd.
LABORDE (France Under-20 Manager): "We have selected a group of 23 players combining experience in the project and performance in the club for this first match of the Tournament. Playing at home, in Vannes, is a great opportunity, and should give us a lot of confidence and energy. Wales is a formidable team, and we expect a committed match. We have worked to be ready to impose our game and respond to the intensity of the Tournament. I expect enthusiasm, pleasure and commitment to the project from my players. We can't wait to get back on the field, live an exceptional experience and give the Vannes public the show they deserve."
Wales U20s name side to face France U20
Head coach Richard Whiffin has announced his Wales U20 Men’s squad for their opening clash of the 2025 U20 Six Nations against France.
Whiffin’s starting XV includes four uncapped players. Among the backs, Dragons scrum-half Logan Franklin is the sole debutant. In the forwards, Bristol Bears second-row Kenzie Jenkins joins back-row duo Deian Gwynne (Gloucester) and Evan Minto (Dragons) in earning their first caps.
“It was a tough team to pick as a lot of guys have put their hands up over the past couple of weeks,” admitted Whiffin. “Where we’ve come to is a team full of pace, speed and power and ultimately in skill and that is how we want to attack the game on Saturday.
With a mix of experienced players familiar with the team’s playing style and fresh faces eager to make an impact, Whiffin is optimistic about the squad’s balance. “We’ve got boys with experience who know how we want to play and can help the younger boys in terms of our game model. The younger guys come in with a fresh view and new ideas and have an opportunity to push our game forward.”
Leicester Tigers flanker Harry Beddall has been named captain and will lead from the back row. Whiffin believes his leadership will be crucial. “Harry is someone who has high emotional intelligence and understands the game and is a good barometer of the group. On game day he is someone who leads by example,” he said.
Facing a formidable French side backed by a passionate home crowd, Wales enter as underdogs. However, Whiffin is determined for his team to impose themselves.
“It’s important defensively we get off the line and take their space away and bring our jackal game into it and from an attack point of view, being able to put our speed and pace into the game and being smart around our kicking game will be vital,” he said.
Wales U20s v France U20s, Sat 1st Feb, Stade de la Rabine
15 Scot Delnevo (Aberavon)
14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons)
13 Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby)
12 Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
11 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears)
10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Logan Franklin (Dragons);
1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
3 Sam Scott (Bristol Bears)
4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears)
5 Nick Thomas (Dragons)
6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester)
7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers) Capt
8 Evan Minto (Dragons)
Replacements:
16 Saul Hurley (Aberavon)
17 Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears)
18 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
19 Tom Cottle (RGC)
20 Dan Gemine (Ospreys)
21 Carwyn Edwards (Cardiff Met)
22 Harri Ford (Dragons)
23 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
