Hayward predicts bright futures for Wales starlets

Having been on the coaching staff in 2012 when New Zealand were dealt their first ever defeat in the Junior World Cup after four consecutive titles, the Wales U20 attack coach secured a second Kiwi scalp in Rosario after Wales stunned the Baby Blacks with a defiant 8-7 victory.

WRU TV took the opportunity in Argentina to discuss his memories of past campaigns.

You’ve previously had a lot of success with Wales at U20 level, how do you look back on those times.

“Very fondly – my memories from 2012/13 were our best years – we finished third in 2012 in South Africa and in 2013 in France we managed to get into the final – we had a very exciting semi-final – won in the last play of the game – and narrowly lost in the final to England which was disappointing at the time, but certainly a great achievement from the players involved.

In the 2012 World Cup in South Africa we had the likes of Rob Evans, Samson Lee Cory Hill – think we were the first team at the time to beat New Zealand. In the Junior World Cup

The following year you had Ellis Jenkins who was captain, Rhodri Williams, Jordan Williams, Hallam Amos, Jack Dixon – many players who have gone on to senior and international level and top regional level – I’m sure the boys at the time didn’t realise how quick they would progress but all credit to them and it’s great to see that progression.

Do you gain any sense of satisfaction, having coached a number of players with Wales U20 who have gone on to have successful international careers?

“Immensely so, because as a coach our job is it improve players and make them even better and see young me grow on and off the field. Seeing them as young men grow both as individuals both on and off the field is what going away to a World Cup does for you. Just to play a small part in those players careers and see them go on to the international rugby stage in years to come is very satisfying and makes your job worth doing.

How important do you view the Wales U20 age group in the Welsh pathway?

“I think it is crucial to the pathway because if you look at the players who come through here and in a short space of time – 19 months to two years, have gone on to represent the senior national team.
When I think of the World Cup in particular, it has been very beneficial because you obviously have the Six Nations at home which is a great tournament but you get experience against teams from the southern hemisphere – you’re spending four weeks away from home – there are a lot of different challenges these young men have to contend with, deal with and overcome which is what they will face when they get to a senior World Cup – if not – regional rugby is very intense on a weekly basis so this competition provides that intensity.

When asked to replace Dai Flanagan as Wales U20 attack coach for this World Rugby U20 Championship, did you have any hesitation in taking the role?

I didn’t hesitate to come in, we were on the back of a long season with the Scarlets – Dai wasn’t available so from past experiences I knew it would be beneficial because a lot of these players in the next few years will be playing for the senior Welsh team.

Although they don’t realise it yet, there is a lot of potential in this group and if not [playing for Wales] they will be playing senior regional rugby so I didn’t hesitate because I know what a beneficial tool it is for players development and also coach development.

If I look back to myself, it was me and Danny Wilson who were coaching the 20s in 2013/14. Look at coaches who have come through, Richard Hodges, Ioan Cunningham and Jason Strange are all coaching regional level and Danny is obviously doing the Scotland national team.
Recently there is also Dai, who I’ve replaced here, he has taken an attacks role at the Scarlets – and fully deserved. I’ve seen Dai work with the age grades for the last five years while I’ve been at the Scarlets and he works tirelessly – his work ethic is through the roof – very knowledgeable, he’s a young guy, up and coming coach and I’m sure he is going to do a very good job at the Scarlets and be very successful

It certainly challenges you on the coaching pathway and improves you no doubt.

How good do you think this Wales U20 squad is compared to recent years?

I see a lot of potential out here. Our job as coaches is to make sure those players realise that potential – it’s very similar to other years with our player base being so small we are either strong in one area and maybe not as strong in another.

Looking back to success of 2012 our front row was very strong with Rob Evans, Samson Lee and the back five in the scrum but maybe not as experienced out wide – the backs here are a very exciting group – bags of pace with lots and lots of talent – the halfbacks are world class at this level – Harri Morgan and Cai Evans plus our backup boys as well, so there is bags of potential in this group and providing we give them the right tactics and provide the right environment for these boys to grow, I’m sure we will do well in this tournament.

Without a shadow of a doubt there will be many players from this group who will be playing regional rugby in the next 12 months consistently and I believe in the next few years, there is a good group coming through

I believe halfbacks Harri and Cai are at this level already – they are world class players and they are only going to get better. This tournament will bring that out of them because it will create the pressure they’ll need to be under for regional rugby and it’s just up to us coaches to provide that environment. Give them a license to express themselves and a framework to work in but not so they have their hands tied behind their backs so they can’t make decisions.

The guys out the back – there is some unbelievable pace in this team – our job is to get those players in space and I’m sure if we get those players in space they will cause any teams in this World Cup problems.