Wales head coach Steve Tandy has confirmed that Dewi Lake will continue as captain for the summer, despite the return of Jac Morgan from injury. Tandy described the decision as straightforward, praising Lake's leadership and development in Morgan's absence.
Tandy's Captaincy Decision
"I don't think it was difficult," said Tandy after naming his team to face the Barbarians this weekend. "I took my time to think about it but when I looked at it with Jac coming back in I think Dewi has done an outstanding job in Jac's absence." Tandy highlighted Lake's improved rapport with referees and his overall growth as a leader.
Morgan, who captained Wales in Tandy's first game in charge against Argentina last November, accepted the decision gracefully. "I had a conversation with Jac. I think it tells you everything about the character Jac is. He was like 'I'm just honoured to be back in the squad.' He's a class human being and he'll be right there alongside Dewi," Tandy added.
Tandy also acknowledged the broader leadership group, including Josh Adams, Tommy, and Joe Hawkins, emphasizing that the captaincy is not solely about one individual.
Wales U20s Focus on Conduct and Performance
Wales U20s are determined to avoid a repeat of last year's off-field issues as they begin their Junior World Championship campaign against hosts Georgia on Saturday. Coach Richard Whiffin has named his team, aiming to improve on last year's eighth-place finish, which was marred by allegations of damage at the team's hotel in Rovigo.
"Circumstances went against us," Whiffin told the BBC. "We struggled with the team environment, and the hotel wasn't conducive to the boys spending time with each other. We weren't on the right side of results and that heightened the lack of connections, so that is something we have focused on." Whiffin and team manager Andy Lloyd conducted a thorough inspection of the hotel to ensure suitable communal spaces.
"The off-field things were blown out of all proportion but a few of the boys did some things that they regret and it wasn't an indication of what the majority did. They have learnt from the experience and we have certainly spoken about the standards required of an international rugby player for Wales. The expectations for off the pitch as well as on it have been made clear," Whiffin said.
With only the pool winners advancing to the semi-finals, Whiffin stressed the need for a fast start against Georgia and Uruguay before facing South Africa. "We have to back ourselves in the first two games to give ourselves a 'knockout' game against South Africa. We are not disrespecting Uruguay or Georgia, because we know they are going to be incredibly tough, but we want to put ourselves into a game where there is real jeopardy," he explained.
Whiffin acknowledged the challenge of playing the tournament hosts in front of a hostile crowd but expressed excitement. "Georgia will be route one and will try to get dominance up front and in the collision area. We need to box smart and I believe we have the X-factor in our back line that will hurt anybody in the competition."
The Wales U20s team features co-captains Steffan Emanuel and Deian Gwynne, with a strong back line including Tom Bowen and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones.
Carys Phillips Makes History with Barbarians
Former Wales captain Carys Phillips will make history this weekend by starting for the Barbarians against Wales in London. The 87-cap hooker follows in the footsteps of her father, former dual code Wales international Rowland Phillips, becoming the first father-daughter duo to both play for the famous invitational club.
Phillips, 33, was previously coached by her father when he was in charge of Wales women. She was part of Sean Lynn's Six Nations squad earlier this year but did not feature. Her last cap for Wales came in last year's World Cup against Fiji. She starts in a Barbarians pack that boasts 228 caps.
