WRU host inaugural U18 International Series over Easter

Wales look forward to hosting the inaugural U18 International Series this Easter, with England, Ireland, Scotland and Italy making up their opposition.

It will be the first series that Wales have taken part in since their visit to South Africa last summer, where they won, drew and lost in their three games against SA Schools and Italy.

The U18 squad have played two matches in as many weeks in preparation for the inaugural event, against France in Cross Keys and England in Aberavon.

They prevailed 17-8 at a mud-soaked Pandy Park a fortnight ago, courtesy of tries from Phil Jones and Will Jones but, despite a late comeback against England at Aberavon on Sunday, with tries for Will Jones and Morgan Morris, England outside half James Grayson slotted a drop goal with the final kick of the game to seal a 27-26 win for the visitors.

The series will give the side a chance to put that result right, at St Helens on April 6 (7.30pm), but first they face Scotland, also in St Helens on Good Friday (25 March, 2.30pm) and Italy in Ystrad Mynach on Tuesday 29 March (7.30pm). There are four matchdays altogether, with double headers on three of them.

Lewis, who balances his role alongside that of forwards coach with the U20 squad, said: “It’s the first time for the series to take place and it’s great to be hosting it and welcoming all of the other nations to Wales.

“It gives the boys experience of playing against different nationalities and styles of play. It’s a brilliant opportunity and it’ll be a big help for the players’ education. Hopefully it will be beneficial in furthering their careers.

“We were thrilled with our performance against France 10 days ago, Sunday wasn’t our best day, but credit to both sides, they tried to play open, expansive rugby and we will look forward to playing England again at the end of the series.

“This role, alongside that of Wales U20 assistant coach, gives me the chance to work with the boys over a sustained period of time. It’s a busy schedule being involved with both groups but equally as rewarding if you can contribute to helping them on and off the pitch.”

Lewis carries the U20 ethos of playing an open and expansive style of rugby down to the U18 set-up, and is looking forward to seeing the players express themselves throughout the maiden International Series.

“Any rugby player wants to win, but our motto is winning through performing. We want to play in a certain way and to challenge the players to really show their skills. If we get the kind of performances that we’re looking for, there’s every chance the wins will follow.

“We’ve got a strong group of young, talented players and it’s a big chance for them to develop in what is a very strong international age grade at the moment.”

U18 International Series

Friday 25 March, St Helens, Swansea – Wales v Scotland (2.30pm)
Tuesday 29 March, Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach – Ireland v Scotland (5.15pm) and Wales v Italy (7.30pm)
Saturday 2 April, Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach – Italy v Ireland (11am), Scotland v England (1.30pm)
Wednesday 6 April, St Helens, Swansea – England A v Italy (5.15pm) and Wales v England (7.30pm).

Tickets available on the gate £5 adults, U16s free