Wales will face USA for the first time at home in South Wales in a men’s senior international on Saturday 17 October at The Wren, Merthyr (kick off 3pm, local time), in preparation for their forthcoming Celtic Cup clashes with Scotland and Ireland.
Wales men’s head coach Paul Berry has named six potential debutants in his squad, Jackson Connor, Oliver Garmston, Will Jones, Tokoaitua Owen, Taine Woodford and Ed Williams. Connor and Owen arrive from Brisbane, but both have their roots in Merthyr Tydfil, each qualifying via a grandfather from the town.
Garmston, 19, was a regular with Salford RLFC this season in the Championship and played for the Wales ‘A’ side in 2025, Jones, 24, made his Championship debut this year playing for title winners London Broncos and Williams, 17, is coming through the ranks at Warrington Wolves and played for the Wales U16 side last year.
“We have a good blend of players in the senior squad, with experience to help guide those who are looking to take the next step in their careers,” said Berry. “It is particularly pleasing to see players coming through the pathway and earning the opportunity to be involved at this level.”
The Hawks could also see six players making their bow including Castleford’s Tyler Dupree along with Doncaster’s Isaac Misky whose club mate Bureta Fairimo is also included. Fromer NRL star Daniel Vidot is also in the squad alongside Joe Eichner who is set to win his 28th cap, together with Peter Lupton who played in 2013 World Cup for Wales. Taylor Jordan, Kyle McCollum, Keighley’s George Hill and LA Rooster Ethan Povey are the other newcomers.
“This game represents an opportunity for the Hawks to progress on their recent win against Scotland in Las Vegas,” said USA men’s head coach Adam Woolnough. “The domestic season provided opportunities for players to excel and they have been rewarded with selection. At the same time, we have worked hard at establishing relationships across NRL and Super League. Pleasingly we get to see some of those players against Wales - this is an important stepping stone for World Cup participation in 2030.”
Wales ‘A’ take on a Sir Billy Boston Memorial XIII in a curtain-raiser at 12.30pm and the matches will be streamed at - https://lounges.tv/profile/walesrugbyleague
Wales (squad): Tokoitua OWEN (Brisbane Broncos), Jackson CONNOR (Carina Tigers), Sam GRICE (Castleford Tigers), Connor DAVIES, Curtis DAVIES (Halifax Panthers), Charlie NEWTON (Huddersfield Giants), Anthony WALKER (Hunslet RLFC), Max CLARKE (Keighley Cougars), Will JONES (London Broncos), Owen RESTALL (Midlands Hurricanes), Taine WOODFORD (Newcastle Knights), George BIRCH (Newcastle Thunder), Sam BOWRING, Oliver GARMSTON, Charlie GLOVER, Finley YATES (Salford RLFC), Ed WILLIAMS (Warrington Wolves), Matthew FOZARD (Widnes Vikings), Sam DICKENSON (Wigan Warriors)
United States of America (squad): Tyler DUPREE (Castleford Tigers), TJ JORDAN, Daniel VIDOT (DC Calvary), Bureta FARAIMO, Issac MISKY (Doncaster Dons), Ryan BANNEROT, Jason MARTIN, Kyle MCCOLLUM (Jacksonville Axemen), George HILL (Keighley Cougars), Shingirai HLANGUYO, Ethan POVEY, Esteban(Es, (LA Roosters), Tevita BRYCE, Ansong JANG, Peter LUPTON (New York Knights), Wes PIGGINS (Sarasota Bullsharks), Joseph EICHNER, Matt FINNESY (Tampa Mayhem)