ALL Six Dragons players start for Wales Under-20s Six Nations opener against Scotland, with centre Harri Ackerman captaining the side in Colwyn Bay (kick-off 6.45pm).

The 19-year-old from Newbridge is skipper for the tournament after club teammate Ryan Woodman was ruled out after suffering a serious thumb injury in the Challenge Cup defeat to the Sharks.

Ackerman, fresh from four senior Dragons appearances, lines up at inside centre in a Gwent-heavy back line alongside full-back Huw Anderson and wings Harry Rees-Weldon and Walker Price.

The back three are all making their Under-20s international debuts along with loosehead Jordan Morris and lock Nick Thomas.

Ebbw Vale’s Owen Conquer earned a call-up thanks to impressive performances in the Premiership after signing for the Steelmen through their link-up with Christ College, Brecon.

The former Cardiff age-grade back rower has been capped by Wales Under-19s and is poised to make his Under-20s bow as a replacement.

Head coach Richard Whiffin has named a new-look squad with just three players – Ackerman, Bath centre Louie Hennessey and number eight Morgan Morse – survivors from the XV that lost to the Scots in Glasgow last year.

South Wales Argus: SKIPPER: Harri Ackerman will face Scotland again with Wales U20sSKIPPER: Harri Ackerman will face Scotland again with Wales U20s (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“The boys have trained well for the last couple of weeks and the guys who have been selected to play have earned the right through their training and their regional performances. We're now just excited to finish off the week and get up to north Wales and give it a crack,” said Whiffin.

“The back three guys have really stood out and there's been some challenging discussions around there.

“Similarly, the front row we've had lots of boys in and around camp and guys putting their hand up but like I say we were really happy with the depth that we've got in all positions and happy with the team we've selected.”

Wales played a pair of warm-up games against Aberavon and Swansea University while on Tuesday night they trained against Newport RFC, with forwards coach Sam Hobbs having a foot in both camps.

Now they aim to get the campaign off to a winning start against the Scots up north before trips to England and Ireland then Cardiff dates with France and Italy.

“I expect it to be very tight,” said Whiffin. “They have a very good pack, their maul is pretty strong so I expect them to challenge us in that area.

“On top of that they've got some real good pace in those wider channels so I would imagine they are a team that is going to come down thinking they've got a good opportunity, and it will be a tough challenge for us but one that we walk towards.

“You look at how much momentum can be created from an early victory. It can set you up well for the rest of the championship and will build confidence in the group.

“That result on Friday is going to be massively important but we also want to produce a good performance in terms of what we've been practising for the last few weeks - we want to get out on the field and then hopefully that takes care of the result .”

Wales Under-20s (* denotes uncapped): Huw Anderson (Dragons)*; 14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC)*, Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Harri Ackerman (Dragons RFC – captain), Walker Price (Dragons RFC)*; Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby)*; Jordan Morris (Dragons)*, Harry Thomas (Scarlets)*, Kian Hire (Ospreys), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Nick Thomas (Dragons)*, Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers)*, Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Morgan Morse (Ospreys).

Replacements: Evan Wood (Cardiff Met)*, Freddie Chapman (Ospreys), Sam Scott (Midlands Central)*, Owen Conquer (Ebbw Vale)*, Harri Beddall (Leicester Tigers)*, Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys), Harri Ford (RGC)*, Macs Page (Scarlets)*.