Wales have named their squad for the upcoming U20 World Championships in South Africa and will be buoyed by the return of Dragons player Ryan Woodman.

The 20-year-old, capable of playing in the second row or back row, broke his thumb in January and missed the U20 Six Nations before returning at the end of the season.

He will captain Wales in their campaign, which begins on the 29^th of June as they take on New Zealand.

Wales finished sixth last year but face a tough test in this year’s pool stages as they are drawn alongside six-time winners Baby Blacks as well as reigning champions France.

The final team in the group are Spain who are making their debut in the tournament.

Wales have also called up new Cardiff signing Steffan Emanuel and his brother Ioan who could make their debuts in the tournament, whilst hooker Isaac Young returns after missing the Six Nations with injury.

With the return of Woodman, Wales’ head coach Richard Whiffin faces a selection headache in the backrow.

As captain, Woodman will be expected to slot into his preferred birth at six ahead of one of the triumvirate who played so well in Wales’ win over Italy in the forms of Lucas de la Rua, Harry Beddall and Morgan Morse.

Whiffin will also be hoping Bath scrum-half Ieuan Davies can continue his good form from the Six Nations.

Fly-half Harri Ford and back rower Owen Conquer are included in the squad fresh on the back of the news that they have signed senior academy contracts with the Dragons alongside Woodman’s younger brother Oli, and prop Owain James.

“Yesterday was a tough day, telling players who have worked incredibly hard that they haven’t made the plane,” said Whiffin.

“There were obviously some tough conversations but to be fair they’ve reacted well and the group have got tight around them and picked them up. But that is the nature of the job.

“Hopefully we have a team who can be competitive in what is an extremely competitive pool.”

On the return of Woodman, Whiffin said:

“He has had a massive impact in the two weeks he has been in with us,” said Whiffin.

“He has come back in, in very good nick after his injury-forced absence. His physicality now will be a key addition to the squad but not only that, his calmness around the group is also a positive effect. He is a natural leader and the players look up to him.”

Wales U20 Championship squad:

Forwards

Jordan Morris (Dragons), Josh Morse (Scarlets), Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby), Harry Thomas, Isaac Young (both Scarlets), Will Austin (Sale Sharks), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Sam Scott (Bristol), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC), Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), Ryan Woodman (Dragons RFC – Capt), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Morgan Morse (Ospreys), Owen Conquer (Dragons RFC).

Backs

Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby), Rhodri Lewis (Opsreys), Lucca Setaro (Scarlets), Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Harri Ford (Dragons RFC), Macs Page (Scarlets), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Rugby), Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC), Kodie Stone (Cardiff RFC), Huw Anderson (Dragons RFC), Matty Young (Cardiff Rugby).

Wales U20 pool fixtures:

Saturday 29 June, Wales v New Zealand, Athlone Sports Stadium, 6pm

Thursday 4 July, Wales v Spain, Athlone Sports Stadium, 1pm

Tuesday 9 July, Wales v France, Athlone Sports Stadium, 3.30pm