Youngsters could provide a bright future for Wales

Tough times for Welsh rugby but a number of starlets could point to better days ahead

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

GIVEN the deep-rooted problems in Welsh rugby there is understandably a focus on the long term as much as the here and now.

Wales head coach Steve Tandy inherited a bad situation and it was always going to take a long time to see better results on the field.

But there is a huge emphasis on improving the pathway, while the synergy between the senior team and the U20s is greater than it has ever been.

Positions of weakness are identified within the overall depth chart and answers are searched for within the path way.

Here are five Wales players to watch out for in the U20s Six Nations.

The Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf pupil is considered one of Welsh rugby’s brightest prospects.

Howe is a powerful hooker who is very explosive and is capable of making significant post-contact metres - a trait that is in short supply at senior level.

He is also very strong at the set-piece and is a skilful player who leads from the front.

The 18-year-old has already made his Cardiff RFC debut in Super Rygbi Cymru and it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior setup.

At senior level hooker is an area where Wales have some decent depth, with the likes of current captain Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher, Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd and Brodie Coghlan.

But Howe is a special talent.