Why Wales insiders are ‘excited’ in regards to the future: The two teenage tyros set to interrupt via, a strapping Gloucester flanker eyeing the World Cup, the 19-year-old 6ft 8in lock and a brand new joined-up strategy

Cause for cheer in Welsh rugby circles has been in short supply of late and it’s likely the country’s wait for a first Six Nations win since 2023 will be extended in Ireland on Friday night.

Under Steve Tandy, Wales are having to start from ground zero and it’ll be a long slog to get them back to the top. But scratch beneath the surface and take a step back from the toxic boardroom politics, and there is – perhaps – cause for hope. 

Tandy’s men aren’t going to be troubling the trophy-engravers any time soon, but as Wales plan for the 2027 World Cup and beyond, there are signs a new wave of talent is emerging. 

In Under 20s co-captain and Gloucester flanker Deian Gwynne, and teenage tyros Carwyn Leggatt-Jones and Tom Howe, Wales do have promise emerging through their often-maligned system. Is there enough of it to trouble the best at senior level? Time will tell. But in an ecosystem which has been dominated by a seemingly never-ending cycle of negativity, it does appear that all is not lost. 

‘We’ve had a steady stream of players since I’ve been involved filter through into the Welsh regional sides and the English club game,’ Wales Under 20s coach Richard Whiffin tells Daily Mail Sport. ‘We have to make sure these players are rugby-ready and as quickly as possible. 

‘I understand what Steve wants and our boys can see they’re not far away from reaching the senior team, which breeds positivity. I have regular conversations with Steve and he was at our game with Scotland (which Wales Under 20s won 31-20 in Cardiff). He wants to know the players coming through. Last week, we trained against the seniors. 

‘He knows this group is going to be the one he’ll be working with in the next four years. Our alignment is now a lot stronger than it has been.’ 

Hallelujah. That hasn’t always been the case. In a time of great difficulty, Wales’ small size and ability to act collectively has to be its biggest strength. At last, with Tandy working alongside Whiffin, everyone seems to be on the same page with player development. 

Against Ireland on Friday night, Bath’s Louis Hennessey will be the latest age grade player to progress to the senior side with a Test debut likely from the bench. 

‘You’re always looking at the longer distance,’ says Tandy, who is having to balance the need for wins now with a broader outlook. ‘We need to give some of our players more experience. I’m excited about our future and the younger athletes we have. I’m sure there will be a few of them breaking into our squad pretty soon. A lot of our players in the first team are still young. 

‘If we can build a core and add to that with a conveyor belt of younger talent, that’s only going to add to our depth and competition. We need both of those things. I’m really excited at what we’ve seen with the Under 20s.’ 

Last season, Whiffin’s juniors beat England. They should have repeated the feat in this Six Nations too, letting slip a 16-0 lead in a weather-impacted game. But the level of the performance in losses to England and France – countries with far greater player pools – and in the win over Scotland have been positive. 

What Wales badly need is the introduction of an A side, which would help further bridge the gap between Under-20 and senior level. England have benefitted from having one. Serious discussions are taking place on that, as Tandy and Whiffin admitted this week. It was also heartening to hear that all Wales coaches throughout the system are focusing on size and athleticism. 

The country has struggled to match the power of the game’s top teams. But in the current Under-20 squad, there are some monstrous athletes, led by second rows Luke Evans and Osian J Williams. The latter is contracted to Bristol and is 6ft 8in and more than 17 stone at the age of 19. Wales need more players with those raw attributes.    

‘It will definitely help and it’s something we are looking into because that does accelerate development,’ Tandy says of an A-team proposal. ‘It will enhance us getting our group together more often because with the size of the nation we are, we could do that better than anyone.’ 

The elephant in the room is the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut the number of regions from four to three. That controversy has seen beleaguered chairman Richard Collier-Keywood face questions in both Parliament and the Senedd over the governing body’s handling of Wales’ national game. Whether the cut happens remains uncertain. 

But a wider part of the WRU’s proposal is to introduce 12 national development centres to speed up player development. That can only be a positive, but the WRU maintain they cannot afford to do that without reducing the number of senior clubs. As things stand, the future of the Swansea-based Ospreys remains very much at risk. 

‘I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s still business as usual in our pathway system,’ Whiffin says. ‘If you’re a good enough player, you’ll get offered a contract.’ 

Co-captain of the Under 20s Gwynne adds: ‘You can see the talent coming through. We’ve spoken about the trying to bring some positivity to Welsh rugby.’ 

Wales’ juniors face Ireland on Saturday, the day after their senior counterparts. A victory in either match will be tough, but Welsh rugby supporters have to retain hope things will soon turnaround. And their age grade system looks like it’s the best source for optimism.

Five young Wales players to watch

Deian Gwynne (flanker)

Co-captain of this year’s Wales Under 20s side, the flanker looks the most likely to break into Tandy’s senior group for the 2027 World Cup. Has already played regular senior rugby for Gloucester. A strong leader and top of the stats in the junior Six Nations so far.

Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (fly-half) 

Aged 18, he’s still at school but is combining his studies at Llandovery College with playing fly-half for the Scarlets and Wales Under 20s. Incredibly young to be running a team at senior level and unsurprisingly, he’s made mistakes. But he has a strong mindset to go with his undoubted talent.

Tom Bowen (winger)

He’s scored tries for fun for Cardiff and at junior international level. His form has been so impressive that he’s already been linked with interest from French giants La Rochelle. He’s a quick and wiry runner who knows where the line is.

Tom Howe (hooker) 

Like Leggatt-Jones, Howe is only 18 and also still studying – in his case at Glantaf School in Cardiff. A hooker, Howe has been earmarked by all of Wales’ age-grade coaches from a very young age. He may take his time to come through but remember the name.

Osian J Williams (lock)

Welsh rugby isn’t blessed with size and power, which is why there are high hopes for this giant lock. At 6ft 8in, Williams is blessed with a frame key to playing second row and as such, Wales are working hard with him. Contracted to Bristol.