Gwent talent on the cards in Bristol, set for ‘homecoming’ with Wales U20s

WALES begin their U20 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand today in Cape Town (kick-off 6pm) and the occasion will be extra special for Gwent youngster Aidan Boshoff.

Although born in Abergavenny, the 18-year-old was just four weeks old when he was flown to South Africa with his mother – who is Welsh – and in Cape Town he spent the first 11 years of his life before they move back. to Wales.

Boshoff then discovered his love of rugby, starting his playing career with Monmouth Boys School and Pontypool U11s.

He played for the Dragons U16s before going to Clifton College in the Sixth Form, where his talent caught the attention of Bristol Bears and he soon joined the club’s Academy.

He made his senior debut for the Bears in September 2023 when he started against Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup at Sandy Park and in doing so became the sixth youngest player to play a competitive game for the club at 17 years and 346 days. old.

The dynamic defender, who turns 19 in September, was called up to the Wales U20s earlier this year, making his U20 Six Nations debut against France as a substitute before starting in the final against Italy.

Having also represented Wales at U18 level, making it to the U20s in March was a proud moment for Boshoff, who said it “meant the absolute world” and was a “dream come true”.

But given that he only took up the sport after moving to Wales, it will be even nicer to do so in front of his family in South Africa in surroundings that are home from home.

“They’ve never seen me perform so it’s going to be very special. Where I grew up is just down the road, about 20 minutes away,” Boshoff said.

“I’ve got a lot of family flying in, they’re all in Johannesburg but they’ve flown in so they’re all ready there. And my mother flew out.”

Boshoff says the team is in a good place after their mixed Six Nations campaign and says they are certainly not in South Africa just to make up the numbers.

“Overall the Six Nations have been positive. I think we showed every aspect of our game that we wanted, but probably not as a collective and probably not as consistently as we would have liked,” he added.

“But we showed the potential is there and we’re a solid team when it all comes together – and finishing with a solid performance always makes it sweeter.

“The hard work we’ve put in over the last few weeks fills us with confidence that we’ll put all those attributes together when we go out there.”

Wales face Spain on Thursday and complete a tough group against France, making a strong start imperative.

Boschoff forms a Gwent back three, joining forces with Dragons duo Huw Anderson and Harry Rees-Weldon.

Six players from the Rodney Parade club meet with flanker Ryan Woodman returning to captain the side after missing the Six Nations.

Loosehead Jordan Morris, lock Nick Thomas and fly-half Harri Ford are among the replacements.

Wales U20: Huw Anderson (Dragons); Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Macs Page (Scarlets), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears); Harri Wilde (Cardiff), Ieuan Davies (Bath); Josh Morse (Scarlets), Isaac Young (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), Ryan Woodman (Dragons – captain), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff), Morgan Morse (Vaginas).

Subs: Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Jordan Morris (Dragons), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Lucca Setaro (Scarlets), Harri Ford (Dragons), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby ). ).