Wales U19 head coach Gary Dunn has confirmed his 23-player squad for the European Championships in France, that start next Sunday 12th July, with a match against Serbia (kick-off 6pm local time).
A total of 20 players have been developed through the community clubs in Wales, where around 2,500 youngsters play every summer.
Most of the squad have been promoted straight up from last year’s U18 side, with five having previously played for Wales U16s, including Kavan Phillips, who will be playing in his second international tournament of the year having been the youngest player in the Wales Students side recently.
Wales will take on England and Scotland in an unusual six-team format where the nations have been split into two groups of three, taking on sides from the opposite group, with all six nations then put into one table to crown the champions. France and Serbia are the other two sides involved.
Dunn said: “We’re really excited to get out to France and test ourselves against some of the best young talent in Europe. This group has worked incredibly hard and for a large part of the group it is the culmination of a couple of seasons with the programme. They’ve all earned the opportunity to represent Wales on this stage, and I am proud of the development that we have seen in each of them, both as Rugby League players and as young men.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is that 20 of our 23-player squad have come through community clubs in South Wales. That’s a real credit to the volunteers, coaches and clubs who continue to develop young players and provide them with a pathway into the international game. It shows that the foundations of Welsh rugby league are strong.
“We know we’ll have to be at our best. Serbia will be a tough opening game, and then we’ve got England and Scotland to come, so there’s no easy fixture. But the players are embracing that challenge. They want to compete, they want to test themselves, and they want to do Wales proud every time they pull on the shirt.
“Our focus is on enjoying the sporting environment that we’ve created, playing with pride and showing the character that has brought this squad together. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves every chance of having a successful tournament.
“It would be remiss of me not to thank my staff who have helped to develop and prepare the group for the challenge ahead; they have been an exceptional support for me, and the effort they go to to make the programme work is unbelievable.
“Also, on behalf of the players and staff, I would like to pass on my gratitude to the families and sponsors of each of the players; without the support and trust they place in us, it would be impossible for this trip to go ahead. As our major sponsors, Dunbia and Dyno-Rod have really made participation in the tournament viable.”
Matches are expected to be streamed live by the European Rugby League. Details will be provided on social media when known.
Wales: Jacob Morris (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Joshua Gabrielsen, Ioan Herbert, Jacob Jones, Oscar Jones (all Bridgend Blue Bulls), Ethan Williams (Cynon Valley Cavaliers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Joshua Harding, William Mathers (both Hull FC), Evan Williams (Hull KR), Alex Richardson (Latchford Giants), Finlay Walker (Leigh Leopards), Evan Rowlands (North Wales Crusaders), Ollie Bellavia-Walker, Kavan Phillips (both South Wales Jets), Rhys Hughes, Kyson Rees, Oliver Rees (all Swansea Rams), Cae Jones, Reuben Malson (both Torfaen Tigers), Regan Preece, Harley Smith, James Tucker (all unattached).
