Under-20 World Championship: Harry Beddall back to lead Wales in final warm-up against Italy

Flanker Harry Beddall returns for Wales Under-20s to face their Italian counterparts at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday (16:30 BST).

The game is Wales’ last before the head to the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship which kicks off in Italy at the end of June.

Beddall will come into a back row that includes number eight Evan Minto – he is one of three survivors from Wales’ 47-14 defeat by England in Pontypool last Friday.

Fly-half Harri Ford and wing Ioan Duggan also hold onto their spots to face Italy in an otherwise much-changed matchday squad.

“We wanted to use the England game as an opportunity for some guys that hadn’t had much game time to experience top-end match action and this Italy game was earmarked as final preparation for the World Cup and so it was almost a case of getting a few boys some minutes before we get on the plane,” said Whiffin.

Wales edged past Italy in the U20 Six Nations and Whiffin expects a stern challenge from the visitors.

He said: “They will be a very tough team, you only have to go back to the game in the Six Nations and how tough it was out there.

“We snuck over the line thanks to a last minute shot at goal by them. It was a tough battle, they have got a very strong pack, possess a strong kicking game and have some really quick outside backs so they will challenge us right across the field.”

Wales’ World Championship kicks off against Argentina on 29 June with games against France and Spain to follow.