Wales U20s team picked for World Championship opener vs Argentina

Harri Wilde who was Whiffin’s first option during the 2025 Six Nations has dropped onto the bench as Harri Ford has been given the nod to start at fly half. In fact Ford is one of four changes from the side which denied England the Grand Slam at a raucous Cardiff Arms Park back in March this year. 

Dragons RFC lock, Nick Thomas who’s been sidelined due to an ankle injury will make his return, and Bath Rugby’s Jack Wood has come into the starting XV in place of speedster Tom Bowen. 

Cardiff Rugby/RFC Elijah Evans has been named on the wing, an unfamiliar position for the 19-year-old who’s had a standout season in Welsh Rugby’s inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru league. 

“Elijah Evans is one of the quickest guys in the squad. His aerial game is really strong and the way we want to play the game will suit him in that wide channel,” explained Whiffin. 

“Nick has worked hard to get back from the injury he had in Six Nations. 

“He offers a level of experience in the second row against what we know is going to be a formidable Argentina pack.”

Elsewhere, Ioan Emanuel, Harry Thomas and Sam Scott are named in the front row while Bristol’s Kenzie Jenkins partners Thomas in the second-row.

Newly signed Dragons openside and Wales captain Harry Beddall starts at seven, Deian Gwynne and Evan Minto are also in the back row. All three have great ball carrying ability which will be needed against a strong Argentinian side. 

Sion Davies joins Ford in the half backs, with Steffan Emanuel and Osian Roberts the centre pairing. Finally, exciting prospect Aidan Boshoff completes the back three alongside Evans and Woods. 

“It was a tough job getting the squad down to 30 and even tougher to get it down to 23 for the match against Argentina,” said Whiffin.

“We spoke to the boys and told them everyone is going to play in the first three games, and everyone has got to be ready.

“The seven boys who have missed out still have a crucial role to play – their job is to help prepare the team and be good team men. We’re a tight group and they have reacted really well, and I know that those boys when they get the opportunity, they will take it.”

15 Jack Woods (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
14 Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby/RFC, 7 caps)
13 Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
12 Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby/RFC, 10 caps)
11 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
10 Harri Ford (Dragons, 14 caps)
9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby/RFC, 4 caps);
1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets, 15 caps)
3 Sam Scott (Bristol Bears, 15 caps)
4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)
5 Nick Thomas (Dragons, 11 caps)
6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, 4 caps)
7 Harry Beddall (c) (Dragons, 11 caps)
8 Evan Minto (Dragons, 5 caps)

Replacements:
16 Saul Hurley (Aberavon, 2 caps)
17 Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)
18 Owain James (Dragons, 3 caps)
19 Dan Gemine (Ospreys, 4 caps
20 Caio James (Gloucester, 3 caps)
21 Ellis Lewis (Neath RFC, uncapped)
22 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby/RFC, 17 caps)
23 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby/RFC, 5 caps)