Fresh from his European debut for Exeter Chiefs, first year student and EURFC second row Dafydd Jenkins has today been called up to Byron Hayward’s Wales U20s side for the upcoming U20 Six Nations Championship.

The squad sees 10 players who played in last year’s championship at Cardiff Arms Park return to the Welsh fold.

Front rows Connor Chapman, Efan Daniel and Nathan Evans return alongside Jenkins and second row Joe Peard. Back row Alex Mann retains the captaincy after leading Wales to victory over Italy and Scotland in last year’s Six Nations.

In the backs, scrum half Harri Williams along with midfield trio Joe Hawkins, Eddie James and Tom Florence also return for a second campaign.

Hayward has been pleased with the preparation his side have had ahead of the tournament, which kicks off with a fixture away against Ireland on Friday 4th February.

“If I can compare it with years gone by, we’ve managed to have hit outs against two Premiership sides [Swansea and Ebbw Vale] so in terms of preparation it has been going really well. You’ll never be entirely happy and satisfied as a coach as you always want more time, but I think we’re in a decent place going into Ireland next week.”

Hayward also believes the experience of the returning group of players will play a major role in his plans as he plots the campaign ahead.

“They’ll be massive because that second year, and not just from a playing point of view, but from a maturity point of view as well, is massive. There’s quite a big allocation coming back, and we’ll be looking to those boys to step up which they already have done, in fairness.”

It has been quite a few weeks for Jenkins, having gone from playing BUCS Super Rugby, to Heineken Champions Cup action and now into the Welsh U20s set-up.

Speaking of the second-row’s inclusion, Director of Rugby Keith Fleming was excited to see how Jenkins transferred his club form over onto the international stage.

“Dafydd has been a huge player for us this season and has fully deserved the opportunities he has had with Exeter Chiefs in recent weeks,” explained Fleming. “EURFC prides itself on being the best pathway from university into the professional game and seeing Dafydd have an opportunity to shine at U20 level again really highlights the success story of the club. We wish him all the best for the tournament.”