Lloyd White has named his 19-man Wales “A” squad to face the UK Armed Forces at The Gnoll in Neath on Saturday 25th October.
The Wales ‘A’ squad includes several youngsters at professional clubs; some of the best players from Wales’ JES Rugby League Conference; and players who have impressed in other Wales representative teams in 2025. They will train alongside the first team in preparation to face the UK Armed Forces.
Just five of the players are yet to turn out for Wales at any level. The remaining 14 have all turned out for Wales U16, U18 or Students in the past.
Jay Baker, who at 34 years old, will be the most senior member of this side. An experienced rugby union player, having turned out for Ospreys, Aberavon and Merthyr, he was very successful this year in his first season in rugby league, scoring eight tries throughout the season, as he helped Aberavon Fighting Irish to win the JES Rugby League Conference Grand Final.
The other four newcomers to international rugby league are North Wales Crusaders’ Paddy Jones, St Helens’ Oliver Garmston, Wakefield Trinity’s Dan Hetherington and Salford’s John Hutchings.
White said: “In the past, I think we’ve lost players who perhaps didn’t have this type of opportunity, so hopefully this setup will allow them to gain valuable experience, develop their game, and be ready to take that step up when the time comes.
“I’m really excited to play a part in that journey, to see these players progress, and ultimately earn their senior caps in the future.”
Wales Senior Men’s A side
Jay Baker* – Aberavon Fighting Irish
George Birch – Newcastle Thunder
Oliver Garmston* – St Helens
Alex Green – Salford Red Devils/Bridgend Blue Bulls
Llewelyn Hawkes – Bridgend Blue Bulls
Dan Hetherington* – Wakefield Trinity
John Hutchings* – Salford Red Devils
Lewis Ingram – Bridgend Blue Bulls
Jamie Jenkins – North Wales Crusaders/South Wales Jets
Paddy Jones* – North Wales Crusaders
Dafydd Morgan – Bradford Bulls
Isaac Morgan – Aberavon Fighting Irish
Matthew Morgan – South Wales Jets
Charlie Newton – Huddersfield Giants
Henry Parker – Leigh Leopards/South Wales Jets
Mason Phillips – Thatto Heath Crusaders
Jacob Purcell – South Wales Jets
Charlie Thomas – Hull FC
Finlay Walker – Salford Red Devils
*Uncapped at any level
Tickets are on sale for October’s double header at wrl.wales/tickets
