Wales Under-20s back-row forward Deian Gwynne will play his final match for the age-grade side on Friday in the fifth-place play-off against Scotland at the World Rugby U20 Championship. The 20-year-old has been one of head coach Richard Whiffin's most influential players over the past two seasons, known for his relentless work rate, abrasive physicality, and natural leadership.
Senior Wales recognition
Gwynne's performances earned him an invitation to Steve Tandy's Wales alignment camp earlier this summer. Whiffin believes the Aberystwyth-born player has the potential to force his way into Wales' Rugby World Cup squad next year. Gwynne, however, remains grounded, focusing on the immediate challenge against Scotland while admitting that playing for the senior Wales team is a dream he is determined to pursue.
“I like to take it game by game but everything happens so quickly nowadays,” Gwynne said. “That obviously is a wish in my mind but I want to take it game by game and that goes no further than Scotland on Friday. That's what you dream of doing as a kid. You watch it on TV and that's what you want to be a part of. I'll keep working hard and hopefully things happen.”
Alignment camp experience
Being included in Wales' senior alignment camp was a significant vote of confidence for Gwynne. Although it was outside the international window and he could not participate in on-field sessions, he attended meetings and gained valuable insights into the international game.
“Yes, 100% I think it gives extra motivation as well,” he said. “Ultimately you get a feel for it and what it is like to be at international level. Ultimately that's why you work hard every day and that's what you want to achieve. It gave me that something extra to work on. As it was out of the international window I wasn't able to put my boots on but it was a really good opportunity for me to be part of the meetings and stuff. There was so much learning about the game at international level. It was amazing to meet all of the coaches and players.”
Return to Gloucester
With his Wales U20s career ending, Gwynne will return to Gloucester, where he has already broken into the senior side in the Gallagher Premiership. He is highly regarded by head coach George Skivington. Gloucester already have several Welsh players, including Josh Hathaway, Freddie Thomas, Max Llewellyn, and U20s openside Caio James. Next season, Wales stars Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan will join the club.
“I’ll be in the deep end of senior rugby when I go back to Gloucester to prepare for next season,” Gwynne said. “We’ve got Jac Morgan coming to bolster our back row and having the best players around you is the best way to learn. I’m just looking forward to what the men’s game has to offer. It’s a case of keeping on working hard and hopefully things will happen.”
Gwynne has already had some exposure to the senior international environment, having trained against Morgan and Lake during U20s versus senior sessions. “Having trained against them a few times with the U20s against the seniors sessions I had a few conversations with them and in the alignment camp,” he said. “It is nice that they are Welsh speakers as well. It'll be handy to have a few more Welsh speakers up there. They'll be excellent, especially for me to learn so much off Jac. It will be handy to pick his brains and stuff.”
Aiming for historic finish
Before turning his focus to Gloucester, Gwynne is determined to help Wales U20s secure their highest finish at the World Rugby U20 Championship since reaching the final in 2013. Wales have won three of their four matches this summer, including a significant victory over Australia last weekend. Gwynne believes the team can end their campaign on a high note against Scotland.
“What an opportunity we have on Friday as a group to go and achieve something the team hasn't achieved since 2013,” he said. “We've got another strong mindset going into the game and ultimately it is the last chance we've got to play together as a group. We are really up for it.”
Gwynne also praised the coaching staff, saying, “We’ve got a really strong group of coaches, and we’ve learned a hell of a lot working under them. They’ve done an excellent job in this campaign. I’ve loved playing for Wales U18 and U20 and I will probably be a bit emotional on Friday when it all comes to an end. But what I do know is that I’ve learned a hell of a lot in those three or four years. The challenge for us older boys who will be moving on after this tournament has been in how we can help set-up the younger boys for the rest of their U20 journey so they can hopefully do better again.”
