WALES Under-18 will attempt to topple some the world’s best at junior level in South Africa next month by taking inspiration from the age grade football sides of bitter rivals England. Chris Horsman’s outfit will make their annual summer trip to the land of the Springboks where they will face South Africa Schools, South Africa Schools A, and France.
England and Argentina are also competing in the tournament.
It is the latest opportunity for Wales to develop their next generation of young talent both on and off the field with Horsman keen to improve his squad as both players and people.
“I’ve looked at a lot of the age grade teams from different sports and particularly in football with the success of the young England teams,” said Wales U18 head coach Horsman.
“They say they want more tournament environments like the football one in Toulon and it’s the same for us. For Gareth Southgate, having players who are used to being part of an international environment is priceless because they are different from club football.
“It’s the same for us in rugby which is why these tournaments are so important.
This trip is not about playing against South Africa and France, but the block of time it affords us with the players.
“Yes we want to go out to perform and win, but ultimately this trip will give us the opportunity to work with the players and get them to understand what it’s like to be a professional rugby player.”
Wales are set to announce their squad to travel to South Africa this week with giant lock Christ Tshiunza set to be the standout name.
Tshiunza hit the headlines this month after deciding to leave Welsh rugby and Cardiff Blues for a switch to Gallagher Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
“This group going to South Africa is a younger group, but a very talented one,” Horsman said.
“In the past the squad we’ve taken has been six to eight months older.
“But we’ve got a lot of strength in depth in certain positions. For the first time in a few years we’ve got a very good batch of second rows – James Fender, Ben Carter and Christ.
“There is some strength in depth in the back-row too.”
Wales’ U18 International Series fixtures
(all kick-off times BST)
Friday, 9 August 2019 Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, SA Schools v Wales U18 (3pm)
Tuesday, 13 August 2019 Paarl Gymnasium, Paarl, SA Schools A v Wales U18 (12pm)
Saturday, 17 August 2019 Hugenote High, Wellington, France U18 v Wales U18 (12.30pm)
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