Wales to join England and Scotland in the Toulon tournament for the first time after Euro 2016 heroics
Tournament in France invites other nations composed of under-20 players
WALES have been invited to return to France and play in the Toulon tournament for the first time.
The Dragons will line up in the competition next May alongside kids from arch-rivals England and Scotland.
Hosts France, Japan, Ivory Coast and Mali have also been confirmed in the 12-team tournament.
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The invitation comes on the back of Wales’ run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals — led by Chris Coleman — in the same country last summer.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions juniors claimed the trophy last season but the holders will have a new manager for the festival of football in the south of France.
Wales chiefs are also looking for someone to take charge of their age-grade side after Geraint Williams did not have his contract renewed.
The Welsh FA look likely to mirror England’s approach with Southgate, who completed his promotion from Under-21 to national manager.
Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy, 37, are front-runners for the vacant post when FAW chiefs hold talks on the future early in the new year.
Giggs has been targeted by the FAW for some time and was even approached for the senior manager’s role before the appointments of Gary Speed and Coleman.
But the Manchester United legend, 43, has yet to nail down a coaching job.
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Coleman plans to leave his post as Wales boss at the end of the current World Cup campaign.
The Dragons chief has been linked with Crystal Palace as well as clubs in China.
A spell as the leader of their nation’s next generation could be the perfect transition for former internationals Giggs and Bellamy.
Both are keen on developing young talent.
Giggs was caretaker at Old Trafford, promoting James Wilson and Tom Lawrence from the reserves to the first team.
And Bellamy has already helped out coaching youngsters for Cardiff and Wales.