Tom Prydie returns to Wales action on Sunday when he lines up at full back for Wales Under 18 against England in Swansea.
The Ospreys teenager made his international Wales debut against Italy at the Millennium Stadium last weekend while his Under 18 team mates notched up a 30-3 victory over Scotland at Melrose.
Simon King’s side has also been boosted by the return to fitness of Scarlets centre George North, who takes his place at outside centre to partner Luke Williams at 12. The other changes to last weekend’s successful team see Blues prop Darran Harris start at loose head ahead of Rob Evans, and fellow Blues academy member, flanker Owen Sheppeard win his first cap at this level, partnering Thomas Young, who captains the side for a second time, and Osprey Dan Baker in the back row.
King said, “We’re very excited about playing England on Sunday. We have a great balance in our 26 man squad and the players coming back into the side this weekend will no doubt give us an extra dimension.
“We were all thrilled for Tom (Prydie), winning a senior cap last weekend. He certainly didn’t disappoint anyone as a member of the Wales team, and he has brought the experience he gained from his time in the Wales squad back into our training environment this week, which has given our players an extra incentive.
“England have set the standard at Under 18 level for a number of seasons now. They have won 15 consecutive capped internationals so we are fully aware of the task ahead of us. It will be a step up from last weekend’s game, but I’m confident the players can step up to the plate.”
Assistant coach Dale McIntosh, whose Pontypridd side face King’s Aberavon in the SWALEC Cup quarter-final tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s international added: “Last week’s game was a great stepping stone towards the England match. Our boys performed well against a very ambitious Scottish side, especially in the first half when they killed off the game.
“England’s record speaks for itself but if anyone can break that record at the moment, it’s us. The players certainly won’t be as intimidated as they were last year when they pretty much lost the game before they stepped on the park. This year, reputations count for nothing and I’m sure the boys will give a great account of themselves.
“As far as the Cup quarter-final is concerned, we’re looking forward to the clash. We’ve got a great mix of youngsters and senior players at Ponty at the moment but Aberavon are also a great side. One thing’s for sure, either myself or Simon is going to be hurting on Sunday but the important thing is that we’re smiling after the England game.”
Wales Under 18 v England
Sunday 28 March (2pm), Swansea RFC (Tickets £3 for adults, £2 for Under 16s)
Tom Prydie (Ospreys); Harry Robinson (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons); Darran Harris (Blues), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Will Griff John (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Owen Sheppeard (Blues),Thomas Young (capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements:
Jack Dando (Blues), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Matthew Screech (Blues), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Sam Campbell (Blues)
