Wales U20: Forward will pack punch with heavyweight Carwyn upfront

WALES will unleash the cousin of Taulupe Faletau and Mako and Billy Vunipola in the U20 Six Nations which begins this month.

Giant No.8 Carwyn Tuipulotu is seen as one of the best prospects in Welsh rugby and his 125kg (19st 7lbs) frame will give Ioan Cunningham's side real go forward in this summer's Cardiff Championship.

Tuipulotu, 19, was identified by the Welsh Exiles programme as a player of tremendous potential after attending the prestigious Sedbergh School and was subsequently snapped up by the Scarlets.

Wales will kick off the Championship against Italy on Saturday where Tuipulotu will get an opportunity to show his worth. Joining him in the squad is Scarlets outsidehalf Sam Costelow who is also viewed as a future Wales international.

He will compete with Ben Burnell and Lloyd Evans for the 10 shirt. Cardiff Blues forward Alex Mann will captain the side.

But arguably the most exciting selection in Cunningham's squad is Exeter second row Christ Tshiunza.

The highly gifted lock left the Cardiff Blues academy to join the Chiefs and there were murmurings he would shift his allegiances to England given he played a training match for the Red Rose.

But Tshiunza has chosen Wales and is set to be a key player for the men in red throughout this campaign.

Head coach Cunningham said: “It is a fairly young squad. There are only six players carrying over from last year's group so it's an induction of fresh new talent to the group which is exciting.

“Our forwards are a big group of big men, but we also have a talented backline with gifted players. Hopefully we can give them enough possession to express themselves.”

By STEFFAN THOMAS