In a time of gloom, Wales U20s are shining a positive light on imperfect Welsh rugby

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 16:39

byHarry Tovey

Last Sunday at Principality Stadium, 57,744 spectators (majority seemingly French) watched on as Wales fell to another record-breaking defeat at the hands of Grand Slam chasers France.

It was a nadir afternoon in the Welsh capital, which felt more like Paris. They have conceded 102 points in their first two outings of the 2026 Six Nations, which has dealt a further blow to Welsh rugby supporters.

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However, less than 24 hours prior to the senior side facing France, Richard Whiffin’s U20s side put on a heroic performance against France U20s at the Cardiff Arms Park. Hunting for some positive light during a torrid time for Welsh rugby, the U20s are providing a glimmer of hope.

Last year’s Six Nations saw them finish third, denying England the chance of winning the Grand Slam, and this came after the previous year's wooden spoon. Despite back-to-back defeats, they are tracking in the right direction.

Players such as Deian Gwynne, Steffan Emanuel, Jack Woods, Tom Bowen, and Lloyd Lucas have all demonstrated their potential. Carwyn Leggett-Jones was praised following his side’s agonising 19-16 defeat at Franklin’s Gardens, whilst hooker Tom Howe has been highlighted by former Welsh international Scott Baldwin as one for the future.

They are playing in front of much bigger, raucous crowds since leaving Colwyn Bay, and are consistently delivering pure joy and excitement to a nation at the moment hanging on to small wins.

Speaking on Wales U20s and the depth the nation has, Wales assistant coach Danny Wilson said:

“I watched the U20s as I’m sure we all did.

“We saw a performance there, and I felt for them, because a couple of moments that maybe cost them, but they were right in that game against a good side who have consistently been good at bringing through strong 20s teams.

“My focus has been here (the senior side), and in that space of time, it’s right we need to get to know the players as quickly as possible in terms of the depth chart.

“Each position where our current crop of internationals is, where are our next group of internationals, and then down into our 20s and our system underneath.

“I think we’re in the process of doing that. After this competition, we’ll dive more into that depth chart again; that’s part of the plan of what we need to be able to do. To build a future of a squad in Wales.

“I certainly think there’s some quality rugby players out there. There’s a lot of rough edges we need to smooth off, and there’s a lot of things, as we know, on and off the field, we need to put right to be able to build that.

“But I am convinced, and I am excited that we will get there.”