Wales Rugby League men’s side head coach Paul Berry has named a 39-player squad for the autumn international programme, with the group set to be split between the Wales first team and Wales A.
The first team will play three matches during the autumn, with Wales v USA on Saturday 17 October at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil already confirmed (kick-off 3pm).
A curtain raiser to that game will see Wales A facing a select side as a curtain raiser, that will be known as the “Sir Billy Boston Select XIII” in tribute to the great man (kick-off 12.30pm).
Berry is able to call on a blend of established internationals, emerging talent and players who have progressed through Wales Rugby League’s junior international pathway.
From the 21 players named who have not yet won a senior cap, a total of 16 have previously represented Wales at junior international level, underlining the importance of the pathway in developing players towards the senior international game. The squad features players from across the Welsh domestic game, the professional game in England and overseas, reflecting the breadth of players now available to Wales.
Berry said: “It is really encouraging to see 16 new players in this squad who have come through the Wales junior pathway.
“That is what we want the pathway to do, give young Welsh players an opportunity to represent their country, develop through the different age groups and ultimately reach the senior team.
“For some of these players, this is the next step after representing Wales at junior levels, and it is a great opportunity for them to show what they can do against senior opposition.
“We have some potential debutants who have earned their opportunity through their performances at club and international level, and we also have players with senior experience who can help bring those younger players through.
“The three matches for the first team give us a really good platform. We want to be competitive, but we also want to continue building the depth of players available to Wales and make sure the pathway is producing international players for the future.”
Wales A will also play an important role during the autumn, providing further international experience for players pushing for selection in the first team.
The split programme allows the coaching staff to work with a wider group of players while maintaining a clear pathway into the senior Wales side.
Tickets for Wales v USA can be bought at wrl.wales/tickets
