Wales take on Ireland Men on Saturday 25th October, 3pm kick off, in the first of a two-match series.
The game takes place at The Gnoll in Neath and sees Wales name seven potential debutants in the squad.
“This Autumn is the start of putting ourselves in the best position we can to qualify for the World Cup in 2030" explained newly appointed Head Coach Paul Berry. “It’s an opportunity for some young players to start their own stories as senior internationals and I’m excited to see how they rise to the challenge.”
Those debutants include the experienced Denive Balmforth who has 39 Super League appearances to his name, Charlie Glover and Owen Restall who also have Super League experience. Wales will also draw on their pathway with Sam Dickenson, George Birch and Charlie Newton, who himself as already faced Ireland at Under 18s level earlier this year, also making their senior team debuts.
Lloyd McEwan-Peters will be hoping for a 20th birthday present to remember as he also is also in line to make his debut, having appeared for Wales previously as an U16.
Ireland will also have several fresh faces in the side, with Connor Carr, Dan Corcoran, Daniel Lynch, Jake Thewlis, Jamie Gill, Lachlan Lanskey, Lucas Castle are line to make their debuts in a squad which features players drawn from all levels of the pathway, from NRL and Super League to the community game in Ireland.
Ireland's preparation has been also been all-encompassing, embracing the depth of their youth pathway.
“It's been great to have the boys together, it's always the best time of the year" explained Wayne Kerr, Ireland Assistant Coach. "We've had the 16's and the 19's over from Ireland Pathways for a joint session so it was good to get the Senior lads around them and it's a huge opportunity to bring everyone together. Everyone has stood out, they've ripped in. We've been together as a unit, as we always have been. It would be unfair to single anyone out, we play as a team and represent a nation. Performance is huge for us, we just go after a performance. If we perform well with the experience and ability we have the result will take care of itself. It's a great opportunity for the young lads and the debutants to come into the squad and we will be front foot forward on Saturday."
Despite the focus on the future and the youth, the game will be an emotional farewell to the professional game for Wales' Rhodri Lloyd who will be hoping to earn his 22nd cap to conclude his professional career.
“It’s a dream for me" he added. "I played a lot of rugby at The Gnoll with the Scorpions when I was a young 17-year-old boy. It’s a stone’s throw away from where my sister lives and not far from where I originally come from in Caerphilly. So, it’ll be great just to have all the family there and just to enjoy the moment. I’ve 80 minutes of rugby left to play and I’ll being doing that for the red of Wales. That’s something that I’m really looking forward to doing, and hopefully it’ll be it’ll be a good day.”
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £10 concessions, £5 for children aged 12-16 years old, free for aged 11 or under and are available to purchase on the day. For hospitality inquiries, please email info@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.
Wales Squad
Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Connor Davies, Owen Restall (Halifax Panthers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Lloyd McEwan-Peters (Hunslet), Denive Balmforth (Hull FC), Curtis Davies, Huw Worthington, Matt Ross (London Broncos), Sam Bowring (Midlands Hurricanes), Ashton Robinson (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs), George Birch (Newcastle Thunder), Charlie Glover, Fin Yates (Salford Red Devils), Billy Walkley (Sheffield Eagles), Matty Fozard, Rhodri Lloyd (Widnes Vikings), Sam Dickenson* (Wigan Warriors), Max Clarke (Workington Town)
