Sam Dickenson, full-back for Wigan Warriors Academy, has been named in Wales' senior squad for the autumn international programme. The 39-player squad will be split between Wales First Team and Wales A, with the first team set to play three matches this autumn.
Dickenson's selection follows an impressive season in which he helped the Warriors to success in the Academy Grand Final and was named Academy Player of the Year.
Wales First Team Schedule
Wales First Team will open their autumn campaign against USA on Saturday 17 October at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil, with a 3pm kick-off. A curtain raiser will feature Wales A facing a select side, known as the "Sir Billy Boston Select XIII", with a 12.30pm start time.
Pathway Success
Head Coach Paul Berry's squad includes 21 players yet to make their senior debut. Of these, 16 have previously represented Wales at junior international level, reflecting the development pathway's role in producing international players.
Berry said: "It is really encouraging to see 16 new players in this squad who have come through the Wales junior pathway. That is what we want the pathway to do, give young Welsh players an opportunity to represent their country, develop through the different age groups and ultimately reach the senior team."
The coach added that the three first team matches provide "a really good platform" to build depth and ensure the pathway continues producing international players for Wales.