Would the down week be best served for an A team fixture rather than a pro 14 and Gallagher premiership fixture? Who would I pick in an A team if we were playing this weekend? I have always missed the A team playing and feel that it is a level of Rugby that aids progression and can act as a bridge between under 20’s Rugby and full test Rugby.
15 Dan Evans- Ospreys stalwart who has been one of the most consistent performers in Europe for the last 10 years. He has been unfortunate to have his career coincide with Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams. Evans standards have not dropped, a recent double against Saracens in Swansea proves he still has plenty left in the tank.
14 Louis Rees Zammit – Cardiff born, Hartpury educated flyer. Rees Zammit missed out on selection against Italy a day short of his 19th birthday, due to him carrying an injury into the camp and then being recalled by Gloucester. It’s a tricky situation for Rees Zammit, due to his tender age and impressive performances, the pressure would be immense. Easing him into an A team environment may be the best approach. His senior cap will come in good time. It seems that he will not feature for the under 20s this year as he has racked up a lot for playing minutes at Kingsholm.
13 Tyler Morgan- Burst onto the international scene with an impressive performance in the 2015 world cup Quarter Final. Since then injuries have seriously hindered his progress. His talent is unquestionable, his ability to remain fit unfortunately is.
12 Owen Watkin- has featured heavily in the senior 23 for the last 18 months, returning to fitness after an injury in December, watkin needs playing time. Can cover 12 and 13.
11 Luke Morgan- Won his first cap last autumn and hasn’t featured for Wales since. He is lightning quick and has been in decent form for a struggling Ospreys team. I would like to see him play at a higher level in a more organised environment
10 Sam Davies- Revitalised by joining the Dragons and being given the keys to the team. Davies looks set to be called up to the senior squad to replace Owen Williams. On his day he can boss a game and has a very good tactical kicking game. The Ospreys are missing him dearly at the moment. His improved form deserves a recall, an appearance for the a team would allow him to get some game time at a higher standard.
9 Rhys Webb (c)- Toulon have banished the Lions 9 due to him requesting an early release from his contract there, due to his family failing to settle in to life in the south of france. Webb came off the bench against Italy, but looked short of match sharpness. Without a club game to play in, the A team would offer a superb opportunity for Webb to get some minutes under his belt.
8 Taine Basham- A breakout season for the man called the Talywain terrior. He has been physical and aggressive in the dragons back row. He has been called into the senior squad to cover Josh Navidi and needs some minutes in a senior red jersey. His time will come in the summer series, if he doesn’t get a cap. Surely his development will be aided by a game just below first team level.
7 Ollie Griffiths -When he’s fit, he plays like an international openside flanker. Unfortunately, Griffiths has not made the step up to senior level, due to the strength in depth of the openside pool and his terrible bad luck with injury. Griffiths just needs a run of fitness which would see him competing with tipuric for the 7 jersey.
6 Aaron Shingler- Shingler played the best rugby of his career from 2017-2018 and then succumbed to serious injury. He returned in time to go to Japan, but he wasn’t able to play himself back in to top form. An athletic lineout presence with a dynamic edge. A fully fit Shingler would be an asset to any squad. Much needed minutes here for the Hendy RFC man.
5 Will Rowlands- New call up to the senior team. Would be able to show his worth via the A team. Rowlands is a big guy who can carry effectively.
4 Seb Davies- Has not kicked on as expected so far, some injuries have derailed him. Davies can focus on the second row and improve his game, with more time in a red jersey.
3 Will Griff John- The Sale man has come the long way round to the senior team. He anchors the Sale scrum in the Gallagher Premiership, but needs to improve his all around game particularly his fitness and carrying. A lot of people are calling for him to be parachuted into the Wales team for the France game, I think Griff John needs to settle into the environment and measure his scrummaging at A level, before jumping into the fire of a test match.
2 Elliot Dee- was seemingly the heir apparent to Ken Owens number 2 jersey. He came into the tournament carrying an injury and Ryan Elias has filled his spot as replacement hooker and has not set a foot wrong. Dee will be chomping at the bit to regain his role and would want to show his worth in a match at this level. Dewi lake has also come into the senior set up and looks to have a big future ahead of him.
1 Rhys Carre- came into the squad as a bolter for the world cup and then joined up with his new team mates at Saracens on his return from Japan. Carrre has not had a huge impact for the test team yet and his a young man for an international prop. Let’s develop him properly and reap the long term rewards for that, instead of exposing him too early.

There are a host of players who would also be aiming to use the A team to return to form and fitness, Scott Williams and Dan Lydiate at the Ospreys would also be candidates for the team, as would their Liberty stadium team mate Nicky Smith. Matthew Morgan of the Blues and young Kieran Hardy of the Scarlets would also be credible selextions.

I am a passionate supporter of the concept of the A team and feel that it could still serve a purpose in the modern Rugby calender. This seems to be a pipe dream at the moment and with talk of South Africa eyeing up a move to the Six Nations it seems that we have never been further away from the return of the A team. But I can dream of a team similar to this lining up against another nations second string on a Friday evening just like the old days.