Much has been said about the Wales senior side and their lack of winning results this Six Nations, while the under-20s have suffered a similar fate in their campaign to date.
But another age-grade side – Wales Under-18s – are flying high.
Richie Pugh’s team have enjoyed an electric start to their 2024 campaign, offering a real sense of hope for the future of Welsh rugby
The age-grade national team secured a hugely impressive 27-19 victory against Ireland at Terenure College RFC in Dublin, grabbing an important away win in the build-up to the under-18s Six Nations Festival.
Coming off the back of a victory against Scotland the week previous, Ruben Cummings got Wales off to a great start away from home, crossing for a try which was converted by Carwyn Jones to go into the sheds at 7-7 after 40 minutes.
Second-half tries from wingers Joseff Jones and Tom Bowen ensured that Wales secured the victory in the Irish capital. Head coach Pugh was ecstatic with the performance.
“I’m really pleased for the boys, as it was a real arm wrestle of a match,” he said.
“It was a scrappy first half from set-piece with penalties conceded from both sides but the second half opened up – they took an early lead but we found a way to claw ourselves back in front. The last 10 minutes was a nail-biter where we managed to secure the win with a try and drop-goal at the end.
We knew it would be a step up from last week against Scotland, especially with the physicality of the Irish teams. They are also smart in how they play, but I thought our boys managed the game really well.
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