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Wales U19 Head Coach Justin Burnell
has named 18-year-old Glamorgan Wanderers flanker Sam Warburton as
skipper of his squad for the IRB U19 World Championships in Belfast
next month.
Wales play New Zealand in the opening game of the World
Championships at Ravenhill on 5 April before facing Samoa and
Argentina in their other Pool matches.
Sam, who will take A Level exams in Biology, Chemistry and PE on
returning from the tournament in May and is hoping to begin a degree
in Bio-Medical Science in September, said: "I was surprised but
thrilled to hear that I will captain the side.
"As a squad, we can't wait to fly out to Belfast now to take on New
Zealand in the first game. It will be a huge challenge but one we
are ready for. We have the skills and preparation and, as long as we
can keep our concentration for 80 minutes, we believe we can compete
with any side on the day.
"Regarding my studies, I have spoken to my teachers and I'm happy
I'll be ready for my exams when they come around.
"I'll only be missing one week of school and I'm catching up on that
week already. Other than that, the tournament takes place during the
Easter holidays so I'll be taking my books to get on with my
revision in my spare time."
Burnell said: "Sam has shown his capabilities in our recent matches
and in training. He leads by example and has an incredible work
rate.
"Our Pool matches - against New Zealand in the first game followed
by Samoa and Argentina - will all be very tough and physical but
this group of players is growing all the time and will certainly put
everything they've got into the forthcoming tournament." |
