Evan Wood ready to make mark with Wales U20s at World Cup
The 20-year-old hooker will be a member of the 30-strong squad that will go up against Argentina, France and Spain in the group stages of the tournament in Italy.
Wood, from Merthyr, was relieved to get the news from head coach Richard Whiffin that he made the cut after a very different call in 2024.
'I've been involved in the Six Nations for two years but was gutted to miss out on the World Cup last summer,' said the hooker, who featured on home soil at Pontypool Park in a warm-up fixture against England.
'I took some time to get over that and I really knuckled down this season because it was a main goal of mine to make the plane for Italy. It was amazing to get the good news and now I get to represent my country at a World Cup.'
SELECTED: Evan Wood will hope to feature for Wales at the World Rugby U20 Championship (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)
Wood will travel as back-up to the Scarlets' Harry Thomas, one of the stars of the Six Nations, along with Aberavon's Saul Hurley.
With a tough schedule of group games on June 29, July 4 and 9 then further fixtures on July 14 and 19, it will very much be a team effort in Italy.
'Everyone in the squad, whether starting, on the bench or prepping the team, is tight. We all understand our roles and everyone is pushing each other,' said Wood.
'That's probably why we got the best out of each other in the Six Nations and we'll need the same again because the boys who have been before say it's tough with games coming thick and fast.
'We will all have to be ready and prep well if we are to be a successful team.'
Wood will sign off for age-grade rugby next month and then get ready for a first proper crack at SRC with Pooler after featuring on permit from Cardiff Met to cover for injured Dragons hooker Sam Scarfe.
'I played against Cardiff, Aberavon and Llandovery and enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to getting back there,' he said.
'There was the opportunity to play in the SRC and I want to push myself at that level after playing for Cardiff Met.
'Pooler is a big club with great history, so it was a chance I couldn't turn down. I loved those few games and can't wait for next year.'
Dragons prospect Scarfe is likely to be sent out for plenty more development in Torfaen next season but Wood, who played age-grade rugby for Cardiff, will push him hard for the 2 jersey.
Player-coach Scott Matthews said: 'Evan made a real impact towards the tail end of last season filling in for the injured Sam Scarfe and was a stand-out performer in our home win against Cardiff.
'Evan is a competitor and drives the on-field energy very well. He's already fit right into our environment and will be a great asset for us.'
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