| The match has been organised to give the side some tough match preparation ahead of the inaugural Under 20 Six Nations Championship, which kicks off for Wales against England at Gloucester on Friday February 1st.
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WRU Audio: Listen to interview with Under 20's coach Patrick Horgan
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Wales U20 Head Coach Patrick Horgan has announced a 30-man Six Nations squad which includes upcoming regional rookies Jonathan Davies of the Scarlets and Ospreys outside half Gareth Owen, who have made 18 regional appearances between them so far this season.
Former Queensland Academy player, Luke Evans who joined the Blues academy at the start of the season is also included, as are Principality Premiership stars like Sam Warburton, Daniel Evans, Haydn Pugh and Leigh Halfpenny and a handful of outstanding players from last season’s Wales U18 squad – Dan Biggar, Jason Tovey, Scott Andrews, Ashley Sweet, Rory Pitman and Justin Tipuric.
Patrick Horgan said, “It was very difficult to cut the squad to 30 but it was a necessary move in order to increase the intensity of training as we move into the Six Nations campaign.
“After a period of training, it will be important for us to see the players in a match situation on Monday evening.
“We have a few injury concerns at this stage with Sam Warburton suffering from a recurring hamstring problem, and Josh Turnbull has just returned to training after an ankle injury. Dan Franks has a shoulder problem and Rhys Webb has yet to play a game since a knee reconstruction operation, however they all have a good chance of returning to full fitness in time for the Six Nations and they produced such good performances last season that they deserve to be included in the squad.
“I am convinced that some of the players that have been left out will use this selection as a motivating factor and that we will see them again later on in the season.”
Wales Under 20 Six Nations squad
Full back: Daniel Evans (Scarlets)
Wings: Jimmy Norris (Dragons), Leigh Halfpenny, Nathan Rees (both Blues)
Centres: Jonathan Davies, Rhys Williams (both Scarlets), Luke Ford (Blues)
Outside Halves: Gareth Owen, Dan Biggar (both Ospreys), Jason Tovey (Dragons)
Scrum Halves: Luke Evans, Gareth Williams, Rhys Webb (both Ospreys)
Props: Scott Andrews, Patrick Palmer, Sam Hobbs (all Blues), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys)
Hookers: Ben Roberts (Dragons), Rhys Lawrence (Ospreys), Ryan Prosser (Bristol Academy)
Locks: Haydn Pugh (Scarlets), Jevon Groves (Blues), Ashley Sweet (Dragons)
Flankers: Josh Turnbull, Nicholas Cudd (both Scarlets), Justin Tipurick (Ospreys), Dan Franks (Blues)
No.8s: Sam Warburton (Blues), Rory Pitman (Ospreys), Lloyd Phillips (Scarlets)
Wales U20 Fixtures 2008
Monday 14 January 7.15pm: Wales U20 v Ospreys XV – Aberavon RFC
U20 Six Nations Championship
Friday 1 February: England v Wales – Kingsholm, Gloucester
Friday 8 February (7.10pm): Wales v Scotland – Rodney Parade, Newport
Friday 22 February (7.10pm): Wales v Italy – Rodney Parade, Newport
Friday 7 March: Ireland v Wales – Dubarry Park, Athlone
Friday 14 March (7.10pm): Wales v France – Rodney Parade, Newport
Wales U20 Six Nations Championship ticket prices (individual matches):
Hazell Stand: Adult £15; Senior/Student £8; Under 16 £8
Terraces & Family Stand: Adult £12; Senior/Student £6; Under 16 £1
Three Game Ticket (which will be on sale until 5.30pm on Thursday February 7th)
Hazell Stand: Adult £35; Senior/Student £18; Under 16 £18
Terraces & Family Stand: Adult £28; Senior/Student £14; Under 16 £3
Tickets are available now from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office, by telephoning 01633 674990 and via http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/
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