Wales men’s side head coach Paul Berry has named a 19-man squad for Saturday’s Celtic Cup clash against Scotland at Biggar RFC (kick-off 2pm), with Lewis Ingram, Mason Phillips and Finlay Walker in contention to make their senior international debuts.
The trio have all been involved in the Wales A programme during the autumn, with their performances in the curtain-raiser against the Sir Billy Boston Memorial XIII last Saturday providing further evidence of the talent coming through the Welsh game.
All three have come through the Wales Rugby League junior clubs development pathways, with Ingram playing for Bridgend Blue Bulls at both junior and senior level, Phillips with Aber Valley Wolves as a junior before playing at senior level for Rhondda Outlaws and South Wales Jets, and Walker with Cardiff Blue Dragons and Aber Valley Wolves.
Wales A recorded an impressive 68-16 victory at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil, with Ingram and Phillips both getting on the scoresheet.
Ingram crossed for a try in the 33rd minute, helping Wales A establish a 26-12 advantage. Phillips also made his mark, scoring twice, including a second-half effort in the 64th minute as Wales A pulled away from their opponents.
Finlay Walker captained Wales A, starting at hooker. His inclusion in the senior squad for Scotland offers another opportunity to progress from the development side to the international stage.
Berry’s squad also includes Mike Butt, who was not involved in the senior men’s 44-12 win over USA last weekend.
“We were pleased with the performance against USA, but our focus has quickly turned to Scotland,” said Berry.
“Every international is an opportunity to build on what we’re doing as a group, and it’s important that we continue to develop competition for places. The players coming into the squad have worked hard for their opportunity, and we want to see everyone pushing for selection.”
Scotland lost 46-12 to Ireland in last week’s Celtic Cup opener, so they need a big win to keep up their hopes of winning this three-team three-week competition. Wales will be hoping for a victory to set up a winner-takes-all clash against Ireland in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 31 October.
Stream the match live at https://wrl.venue.fan/events/scotland-v-wales
Wales squad: Tokoaitua Owen (Brisbane Broncos), Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies (Halifax Panthers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Ant Walker (Hunslet RLFC), Finlay Walker* (Leigh Leopards), Will Jones (London Broncos), Taine Woodford (Newcastle Knights), Charlie Glover, Fin Yates, Oliver Garmston, Sam Bowring (Salford RLFC), Lewis Ingram* (WRL Students/Bridgend Blue Bulls), Mason Phillips* (WRL Students/South Wales Jets), Ed Williams (Warrington Wolves), Matty Fozard, Mike Butt (Widnes Vikings), Sam Dickenson (Wigan Warriors)
