The squad comprises 23 forwards and 18 backs, with Harry Beddall named as captain. The Leicester Tigers flanker will be supported by Cardiff Rugby centre Steffan Emanuel as vice-captain.
Beddall to lead Wales U20s
Beddall, who has eight Wales U20 caps to his name, is no stranger to captaining the side. After Harri Ackerman suffered an injury in the 2024 Six Nations campaign, Beddall captained Wales to victory against Italy in the final game of the championship, scoring a try in the process.
Leicester Tigers seem to have a speciality for producing cross-bridge captains. Beddall will follow in the footsteps of fellow Tigers teammate Tommy Reffell, also a former Wales U20 captain.
Emanuel brothers
Steffan Emanuel, who has been named as vice-captain, plays his rugby for Cardiff Rugby and in December 2024 at the age of 18 years and 159 days became the youngest player to represent the Blue & Blacks in European competition.
Steffan could feature alongside older brother and prop Ioan, who has also been named in the 41-player squad. Ioan has chosen to play his rugby for Bath after his time at Millfield School.
The pair were both involved in Whiffin’s Wales squad that took part in the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa last year.
Wales begin their campaign with back-to-back away games in France and Italy before hosting Ireland at Rodney Parade in round three.
A trip to Scotland calls in round four, before completing their championship against England at Cardiff Arms Park in round five.
Head coach's thoughts
“We’ve got lots power and pace in there, a good blend of guys coming back from last year and obviously some new guys into the camp,” said Whiffin on his team selection.
“We’ve had a good bit of prep time where we’ve built some good combinations through the games against Scotland and two games against the Regional Academies.
Whiffin fully utilised an enlarged squad over recent weeks for the two games against Scotland and a brace of matches against Regional Academies U23s, which resulted in two wins for his side (42-21 & 28-24) to give as many players as possible the chance to stake a claim in the Six Nations squad.
“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. Our outside backs and our back five is really strong and we’re starting to build up strength in other key areas,” said Whiffin.
With 15 players returning to the fray, Whiffin has plenty of experience to call upon In what is a tough draw.
“Those guys have obviously played at this level before and can help the younger guys with their experience,” he said.
“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 focused on preparation in the leadup 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.”
