An exciting weekend of international rugby league is coming up, with Wales U19 playing a warm-up match on Saturday in Ystrad Mynach, followed by a triple header of Wales matches in Merthyr on Sunday.
Saturday’s match sees Wales U19 take on South Wales Jets (kick-off noon) in a match to prepare our international side for next month’s European Championships. Admission £5 for adults, free for U16s.
This is Wales’ second match in their build-up following a two-point loss to Widnes Vikings U19 last month.
Head coach Gaz Dunn said: “The game against the Jets offers the last opportunity against competitive opposition to measure our progress before we head to France in July.
“I’m hoping that our systems and processes will improve over what we displayed last time out against Widnes Vikings.
Thanks go out to the Jets and Penalta RFC. Not only have they given us opposition for the game on Saturday they have also supported the squad and the u17’s with use of their facilities for training days in the lead up to this point.”
Sunday in Merthyr Tydfil sees Wales U16, U17 and Students take on Scotland. Admission £12 adults, £10 concessions, U16s £5.
First up are Wales U16 (kick-off noon) as they look to extend a ten-match unbeaten record in the chase for a fourth successive Four Nations title.
Head coach Tom Marsh said: “I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s fixture against Scotland. Over the years, Scotland have consistently been a tough side to play against and possess some highly skilful players, which should make for an exciting game of rugby.
“Following our match against Ireland a few weeks ago, we’ve identified a few areas we want to improve. The players have put in a lot of hard work away from camp, focusing on strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, reviewing the Ireland game, and training with their community clubs. All of this preparation should put us in a strong position to meet the challenge that Scotland will bring on Sunday.”
Wales U17 are up at 2.30pm. Their match isn’t part of a competition, but it’s to the credit of the two nations’ positive expansion progress that such an international can now be staged to bridge a gap between the 16s and 19s.
Head coach Ben Evans said: “I’m really excited to see the lads pull on the shirt and put all their hard work into action. This year’s U17’s programme came around quickly and attracted a huge amount of interest, which made selection incredibly competitive. We’ve now narrowed the squad down to 25 talented players who have earned their opportunity through their commitment, attitude, and performances in training.
“The group has worked hard over the past few weeks, and there’s been a real intensity and enthusiasm around the camp. Now it’s time to take everything we’ve been building and test ourselves against Scotland this weekend. It’s a fantastic challenge and an opportunity for the lads to showcase their talent, represent their country with pride, and make some great memories together. We can’t wait to get out there and see what this team can do.”
Finally, at 4.15pm, Wales Students are looking to get their second win out of two, to potentially set up a final day challenge with England for a title they’ve not won since 2012.
Head coach Clive Griffiths said: “After a very promising start to the 2026 Home Nations campaign we welcome Scotland to Wales for what promises to be another exciting International between the two Celtic Nations.
“Even though Scotland suffered a heavy defeat against England in round one, we will be paying little attention to that scoreline as we concentrate entirely on our own game.
Each international provides a different challenge, and we will be even more focused for this game.
Pride is a great trophy to play for, and on Sunday, we will see two teams going full out to get a win for their respective countries.”
