Massive congratulations to Lloyd White who has been given the post of head coach for the new Wales A side when they take on UK Armed Forces in Neath on Saturday 25th October.
The match is a curtain-raiser to Wales men’s side friendly match against Ireland.
Lloyd is of course joint head coach of our men’s side, and along with Ben Flower, coached our side to three Grand Finals, where we won the first of them in 2023.
The Wales ‘A’ squad includes several youngsters at professional clubs; some of the best players from Wales’ JES Rugby League Conference; and players who have impressed in other Wales representative teams in 2025. They will train alongside the first team in preparation to face the UK Armed Forces.
And we’re also delighted that four of our players, more than from anywhere else, have been selected for the Wales A side.
We wish good luck to Jamie Jenkins, Matthew Morgan, Henry Parker and Jacob Purcell, all of whom will represent us in Neath at the end of the month.
“I’m really pleased to be part of the new Wales setup,” White said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been involved, so it’s great to be back, reconnecting with some familiar faces and meeting new ones as well.
“The aim now is to help bridge the gap between the senior side and the young players turning out for professional club academy and reserves sides, as well as those players who might not quite be ready to step up just yet. For me, it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from the experienced players in the Wales squad while also creating a clearer pathway for younger talent.
“In the past, I think we’ve lost players who perhaps didn’t have this type of opportunity, so hopefully this setup will allow them to gain valuable experience, develop their game, and be ready to take that step up when the time comes.
“I’m really excited to play a part in that journey, to see these players progress, and ultimately earn their senior caps in the future.”
Wales Senior Men’s A side
Jay Baker* – Aberavon Fighting Irish
George Birch – Newcastle Thunder
Oliver Garmston* – St Helens
Alex Green – Salford Red Devils/Bridgend Blue Bulls
Llewelyn Hawkes – Bridgend Blue Bulls
Dan Hetherington* – Wakefield Trinity
John Hutchings* – Salford Red Devils
Lewis Ingram – Bridgend Blue Bulls
Jamie Jenkins – North Wales Crusaders/South Wales Jets
Paddy Jones* – North Wales Crusaders
Dafydd Morgan – Bradford Bulls
Isaac Morgan – Aberavon Fighting Irish
Matthew Morgan – South Wales Jets
Charlie Newton – Huddersfield Giants
Henry Parker – Leigh Leopards/South Wales Jets
Mason Phillips – Thatto Heath Crusaders
Jacob Purcell – South Wales Jets
Charlie Thomas – Hull FC
Finlay Walker – Salford Red Devils
*Uncapped at any level
Tickets are on sale for the double header on Saturday 25th October at wrl.wales/tickets with the option of pre-match hospitality with former Wales legends Scott Quinnell and Dai Young.
-Ends-
For enquiries, email media@walesrugbyleague.co.uk