Thornton confirmed as Wales U20 captain

Ospreys youngster Rory Thornton will lead Wales U20s into Six Nations action this weekend after being confirmed as captain.

 

The Bonymaen RFC product, who attended Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive School  and Gower College Swansea,  is one of four Eyasses included in the 23, with a fifth squad member, Harrison Walsh, sidelined with a knee injury suffered while playing for Swansea two weekends ago.

Coach co-ordinator Allan Lewis said, "Training has been very positive, with international skills coaches Chris Horsman, Jason Strange and Geraint Lewis bringing a fresh approach to the set-up. The boys have responded well to the new environment and are raring to run out at Eirias Stadium for this exciting Six Nations opener.

"I know England's new coach Jon Callard very well and I know he too will be looking to play an expansive, 15-man game so there will hopefully an attractive game of international rugby on display in Colwyn Bay.

"England are double world champions and although, like us, they will have a new team, they have set the standard at this level and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Wales Under 20 team v England (Saturday 7 Feb, Eirias Stadium, 7.30pm):

Dafydd Howells (Ospreys); Joshua Adams (Scarlets), Barney Nightingale (Dragons), Garyn Smith (Blues), Rhys  Williams (Leicester Tigers); Dan Jones (Scarlets), Tom Williams (Blues); Luke Garrett (Dragons), Liam Belcher (Blues), Dillon Lewis (Blues), Joe Davies (Dragons), Rory Thornton (capt, Ospreys), Tom Phillips (Scarlets), Harrison Keddie (Dragons), Ollie Griffiths (Dragons)

 

Replacements: Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Keagan Bale (Dragons), Joe Jones (Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Jordan Viggers (Blues), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), James Whittingham (Blues), Owen Watkin (Ospreys)

 

Supporters are urged to purchase tickets for the games soon to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale now from the official WRU website (wru.wales/tickets), from venuecymru.co.uk, by calling 01492872000 or to personal callers at Colwyn Leisure Centre and Venue Cymru, Llandudno.