Young Wales international ruled out of World Championship
Young Wales international ruled out of World Championship
The 20-year-old was one of the heroes of the stirring victory over Grand Slam-chasing England back in March
Harry Rees-Weldon of Wales scores the crucial try
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Young Dragons winger Harry Rees-Weldon has been ruled out of Wales U20s' World Championship campaign after suffering an injury in training.
The 20-year-old starred in the Six Nations earlier this year, crossing for an eye-catching try in the stirring upset of Grand Slam-chasing England at the Cardiff Arms Park. Since then, Rees-Weldon has gone on to make his senior debut for the Men of Gwent, scoring on his debut against the Ospreys.
He then followed that up with back-to-back starts in South Africa against the Stormers and Bulls.
However, a leg injury suffered in training means he will now miss the tournament in Italy.
'Harry is out after an injury in training,' Wales head coach Richard Whiffin told the South Wales Argus.
'It's such a shame because he was brilliant at the back end of the Six Nations.
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'He then showed that he can step up to the next level with the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship but sadly he won't make the plane.
'Harry is in rehab already and now it's up to others to step up in what is a strong area for us, with Tom Bowen to come back into the mix. One guy's misfortune is another's opportunity.' Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
The injury to Rees-Weldon is understood to not be serious, with the speedster targeting a pre-season return.
Whiffin had initially planned to name his squad for the tournament prior to Friday's second warm-up match against Italy.
However, he will now wait until after that friendly at the Arms Park as he weighs up a number of injury doubts.
His side started their preparations last week with a warm-up match against England at Pontypool Park.
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Despite leading 14-7 at half-time, five tries in the final 13 minutes saw Wales collapse to a 47-14 defeat.
Wales begin their World Rugby U20s Championship campaign against Argentina on June 29.
Skills coach Neil Jenkins, who will not travel to Japan with the senior national team this summer, has been working with the U20s as they continue to build towards the tournament in Italy.
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