‘NATURAL leader’ Harri Ackerman has been backed to force his way into the Dragons’ crowded midfield once he’s finished his rugby education with Wales Under-20s and Newport.

The 18-year-old is part of the team that will aim to derail England’s Six Nations title bid in Colwyn Bay this evening (kick-off 7.15pm, live on S4C).

Five Dragons feature in the XV with centre Ackerman joined by captain and blindside flanker Ryan Woodman, loosehead Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, hooker Sam Scarfe and winger Oli Andrew.

Ackerman came through the ranks at Newbridge and this season has developed by featuring nine times for Newport in the Premiership.

Like Dragons playmaker Will Reed, he has learnt from joining forces with influential Black and Ambers fly-half/centre Matt O’Brien.

Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward has been impressed by the Dragons prospect’s exploits on and off the field, comparing him to the man that will wear 12 for the senior team at Principality Stadium the following day.

“The first time I saw Harri was in France last year, playing for the under-18s in Marcoussis,” said Hayward.

“It struck me that he was a natural leader and even though he is in the first year of Under-20s he captained the team against Poland [in a Six Nations warm-up.

South Wales Argus: Wales and Ospreys centre Joe HawkinsWales and Ospreys centre Joe Hawkins (Image: PA)

“He is going to be an exceptional talent in the mould of Joe Hawkins. He has good distribution skills, which is essential from your 12 if you want to put width on the game.

“He is a natural leader who doesn't shout or bawl too much but when he talks the boys listen to him.

“It will be interesting to see what he is like when he comes out of this programme in 18 months when he comes out of the programme ready for senior rugby.”

The Dragons currently have Jack Dixon, Steff Hughes, Max Clark, Sio Tomkinson and Aneurin Owen as their senior options.

Dixon and Hughes are out of contract this summer but are likely to get offers to stay on while Tomkinson has also featured on the wing.

Wales U20: Cameron Winnett (Cardiff); Harri Houston (Ospreys), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Harri Ackerman (Dragons), Oli Andrew (Dragons); Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Archie Hughes (Scarlets); Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths (Dragons), Sam Scarfe (Dragons), Ellis Fackrell (Ospreys), Liam Edwards (Ospreys), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Ryan Woodman (Dragons, captain), Luca Giannini (Scarlets), Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff).

Replacements: Lewis Morgan (Scarlets), Josh Morese (Scarlets), Tomas Pritchard (Scarlets), Owain Evans (RGC), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff), Harri Williams (Scarlets), Iwan Jenkins (Exeter), Bryn Bradley (Harlequins).