Wales Rugby League can announce the under 16 boys squad for the 2023 season.
It includes six players who were part of the 2022 squad that enjoyed a clean sweep of victories against England Community Lions and Cumbria.
Of the 24 players selected, Aber Valley Wolves and Bridgend Blue Bulls both provide six of the squad, and there are five players from Torfaen Tigers. A total of nine different community clubs are represented and ten of the squad are in year 10 (under 15s) and so will remain eligible for selection in 2024.
Fixtures are scheduled against England Community Lions at Abertillery RFC on Saturday 3 June, before hosting Ireland on Saturday 22 July (venue TBC). The season will conclude with a trip across the border to once against face England Community Lions (Saturday 16 September – venue TBC).
The under 16 squad in full:
Charlie Bennett | Torfaen Tigers | Ebbw Fawr Learning Community
Leo Bonham | Bridgend Blue Bulls | Pontarddulais Comprehensive School
Tobie Cribb | Aber Valley Wolves | Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Nathan Davies | Bridgend Blue Bulls | Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Samuel Dickenson | Woolston Rovers | St. Ambrose College
Alex Green | Bridgend Bulls Bulls | Ystalyfera School
Sam Grice | York Acorn | Manor CE Academy
Harri Jacob | Torfaen Tigers | Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw
Joseph Johnson | Cardiff Blue Dragons | Corpus Christi High School
Kaden Johnson | Crosfields | Great Sankey High School
Ryan Jones | Aber Valley Wolves | Ysgol Garth Olwg
Jacob Jones | Bridgend Blue Bulls | Strade School
Iestyn Jones | Torfaen Tigers | West Monmouth School
Morgan Marozzelli | Aber Valley Wolves | Blackwood Comprehensive School
Owain Martin | Bridgend Blue Bulls | Ysgol Bryntawe
Jacob Morris | Cynon Valley Cavaliers | Aberdare Community School
Jake Nottingham | Bridgend Blue Bulls | Ysgol Dyffryn Amman
Henry Parker | Aber Valley Wolves| Llanishen High School
Ethan Paterson | Aber Valley Wolves | Islwyn High School
Kai Sengul | Aber Valley Wolves | Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Jake Sheppard | Torfaen Tigers | Islwyn High School
Finlay Walker | Pontyclun Kings | Y Pant Comprehensive School
Junior Westwood | Crosfields | Great Sankey High School
Kade Woodward | Torfaen Tigers | Ysgol Gymraeg Gwmraeg Gwynllyw
Head coach, Paul Berry, commented: “Congratulations to all the players who have been selected, and to the clubs who have played their part in supporting them to have the opportunity to represent their country.
“This is the next step in their development, and with a youth World Cup in 2025 there’s lots to play for and be excited about over the next few years.
“The open trials once again showed that there is plenty of rugby league talent in Wales and the player pool is growing all the time. Everyone is looking forward to what lies ahead this season.”
The under 16s squad held their first training camp of the season at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, last weekend.