Wales U-20s reached final in 2013... where are the heroes now?
THE Wales rugby stars of the future begin the bid for world glory next week as the World Rugby Under-20 Championship gets under way in France.
The Welsh youngsters face a monumental task after being drawn in a group alongside New Zealand and Australia, as well as Japan.
The most famous Welsh Under-20s team is perhaps the 2008 vintage that reached the semi-finals of the global competition containing the likes of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny.
But five years later, in 2013, one Welsh side went one better, reaching the final before a heartbreaking 23-15 loss to an England team containing the likes of Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell and a certain Ross Moriarty.
So, who was in arguably most successful young Wales team ever, and how have their careers turned out?
15: Jordan Williams
Selected to tour South Africa with Warren Gatland’s senior squad the following summer after setting this tournament alight. But the versatile former Scarlets back failed to make the impact so many had hoped for. He moved to Bristol in 2016 but is returning to Wales next season with the Dragons.
14: Ashley Evans
Scored a try in the final but never really made it at the Ospreys. The wing/full-back is currently at Llanelli RFC and has also turned out for Wales Sevens.
13: Steffan Hughes
The talented centre has had some major injury issues to deal with after suffering a major knee injury in January 2015 playing for Llanelli in the Swalec Cup. He remains a part of the Scarlets squad.
12: Jack Dixon
Made it into Warren Gatland’s World Cup training squad in 2015 before suffering a serious kidney injury that kept him out for many months. Will be part of the Dragons revolution next term.
11: Hallam Amos
One of the most successful members of this team, Amos has played 15 times for Wales and also represented the country at the Commonwealth Games. He is expected to start at full-back on Wales’ forthcoming tour.
10: Sam Davies
Won the 2013 IRB Junior Player of the Year award, beating off New Zealand’s Ardie Savea and England flanker Jack Clifford to the title. Started to emerge on the senior international scene in 2016 but has suffered a frustrating year at regional level.
9: Rhodri Williams
He is on his way back to Welsh rugby with the Dragons next season after a stunning campaign with Bristol. Perfectly feasible he could stake a claim to be in the Wales squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.
1: Gareth Thomas
Thomas has played 12 times for the Ospreys this season, although most of them have come from the replacements’ bench. He actually got a shock Wales call-up this time last year for the summer tour and is contracted to the Ospreys again for next season.
2: Elliot Dee
The all-action hooker broke into the Dragons regional team a few years back and has been a revelation since. Behind Ken Owens in the Wales pecking order but has a huge opportunity to advance his cause on the summer tour.
3: Nicky Thomas
Seen as a player with huge potential, Thomas has played for Gloucester, the Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons but has always struggled to become a permanent fixture wherever he’s been.
4: Carwyn Jones
One of a pair of rugby-playing twins the 6ft 6in and 19st lock made three appearances off the bench for the Scarlets before heading across to England to play for Ealing Trailfinders in the Championship. He then moved to RC Vannes in France last summer.
5: Rhodri Hughes
Was seen as having a really bright future. but hasn’t been able to kick on and make it at senior level reveal. Made only 10 starts for the Ospreys between 2012 and 2015. Has played most of rugby in the Premiership with Bridgend, Aberavon and Swansea.
6: Jack Jones
Can play in the back and second rows and when with the Ospreys headed out to Italy to further his rugby education with Rovigo. Went on to play for Llanelli and is now at Llandovery RFC.
7: Ellis Jenkins
The captain in 2013 has gone from strength to strength and will lead the senior team on the forthcoming summer tour, alongside Cory Hill. He’s a natural leader and is as articulate and intelligent off the field as he is on it.
8: Ieuan Jones
Played 32 times for the Dragons in three seasons before moving on to regional rivals the Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2014. Was deemed surplus to requirements when head coach Mark Hammett joined the region. Is now playing for Cross Keys.