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Steffan Hughes (centre) and Nicky Thomas (prop) have been part of the Wales Under 20 squad before but this is the first time that they will have played in a world championship.   

Wales Under 20 head coach Danny Wilson said:"It's an experienced group in terms of Under 20 rugby, and some players have had a significant amount of regional rugby too, so on paper it's a good squad, but it's going to need to be because we have a tough group with Samoa, Scotland and Argentina. We will have to hit form to compete with and beat all those sides in order to qualify for the semis. Our aim is to reach the semis again and anything can happen from that point."

Wilson believes the Junior World Championship provides a fantastic opportunity for players to step up to the next level. "As we saw last season - when players perform well individually and contribute towards good collective performances at the Junior World Championship, it puts them in a good position to stake a claim for regular regional rugby."

Swansea University rugby Head Coach Richard Lancaster said: “ I am delighted that Steff and Nicky have been selected for the squad. It’s encouraging that so many players from our first team are being selected for representational honours and this again highlights the high standard of rugby at the University and the development players undergo whilst here.”

For more information about the Wales Under 20 squad and the Junior World Championships fixtures go to the WRU website  http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/26656.php#.UXqJo6KyCSo 

Pictures. 1st photo is of Steffan Hughes, 2nd photo is of Nicky Thomas and 3rd photo is of Steffan Hughes in action.