Wales U17 head coach Ben Evans has named a 25-player squad for the friendly matches against Scotland and England this June.
Evans, who has recruited fellow former Wales men’s internationals Ben Flower and Lloyd White as his assistant coaches, will give up to 17 players their first Welsh cap at any level.
It’s just the second time that Wales have had an U17 side, the first being the year after the Covid-19 pandemic rules were lifted, but the introduction now is for a different reason, that is to give more talented youngsters a taste of international rugby league, such is the success of the junior pathways in Wales.
Evans said: “I’m delighted to be coaching this year’s Wales U17s squad. We received interest from over 100 players for the trials, highlighting the continued growth of rugby league in Wales.
“I’m also pleased to be working alongside Lloyd White and Ben Flower. Their experience as both professional league players and now coaches brings invaluable knowledge to the environment we’re building.
“The U17s programme has been introduced to bridge the gap between the 16s and 19s age groups, creating a clear development pathway from Origin level through to the senior Wales team, with a long-term focus on the 2030 World Cup.
“We’re all looking forward to the journey ahead.”
Wales U17 take on Scotland at The Wern, Merthyr Tydfil on Sunday 7th June before facing England at The Gnoll, Neath on Saturday 20th June. Each time, these matches will kick-off at 2.30pm and be the second match in a triple header, with the respective Wales encounters against Scotland and England U16s opening each day, with the Student Four Nations matches against the same nations closing each.
WALES U17 SQUAD
Ali Al Jassem* – Aber Valley Wolves, Llandovery College
Eddie Ashman – Wakefield Trinity, Harrogate Grammar School
Evan Benjamin – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Loughborough College
Finley Bosanko-Sheady* – Aber Valley Wolves, SGS College
Charlie Burrows – Aber Valley Wolves, Newport High School
Matthew Clatworthy – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Oakham School
Jayden Coxe* – South Wales Jets, Coleg y Cymoedd
Will Dawkins – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Loughborough College
Alan Delegiewicz* – Bristol All Golds, The Castle School
Ben Foskett* – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Loughborough College
Keilan Harris – Aber Valley Wolves
Thomas Hayden* – Rhonnda Outlaws, Neath Port Talbot College
Joseff Keating* – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Mountain Ash Comprehensive School
Nathan Lee* – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Coleg Sir Gar
Dylan Little* – Cardiff Blue Dragons, Cowbridge Comprehensive School
Ruben Main* – Rhondda Outlaws, Mountain Ash Comprehensive School
Lewis Mathias – Crosfields, Warrington College
Ronan Parry – Orrell St James, Winstanley College
Harry Price* – Aber Valley Wolves, Newport High School
Rylie Probert* – Torfaen Tigers
Zach Robbins* – Oulton Raiders, Llandovery College
Dewi Thomas* – Aber Valley Wolves
Evan Trott* – Bridgend Blue Bulls, Bridgend College
Elliot Williams* – Aber Valley Wolves
Calum Woolfe* – West Wales Jets, Ysgol Bro Dynefwr
* uncapped at any level
