NEWPORT Gwent Dragons hooker Ellis Shipp is targeting a return in the World Rugby U20 Championship after being ruled out of Wales’ Six Nations campaign, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 19-year-old front rower started for the Welsh youngsters in the tournament encounters with Italy and England but was forced off against the latter with a shoulder injury.

Shipp, who has enjoyed a strong season with Cross Keys and played for the Dragons Premiership Select in the British and Irish Cup, doesn’t need surgery after a fracture of his AC but is expected to be out of action until April.

That gives him enough time to get back to full fitness for June’s World Championship in Georgia, which pits Wales against England, Australia and Samoa in the group stages.

“It’s unfortunate for Ellis but he will have a period to get ready for the World Cup,” said Wales head coach Jason Strange.

“It’s a real shame because he went really well in the first two games and has been physically in a good place. Now it’s important that we get him fit and strong ready for the World Cup.”

The news is better for fly-half Arwel Robson, who has missed the first two rounds with the ankle injury that he suffered playing for the Dragons Premiership Select in the win against Bedford in January.

The 19-year-old, who has impressed for Newport RFC this season, is back in contention for the clash with Scotland at Broadwood Stadium in Lanarkshire next Friday.

The Welsh youngsters are looking to strike back after being beaten 37-21 by England in Colwyn Bay.

“Overall I have been really pleased with the group, particularly the win in Italy when we showed maturity and composure,” said Strange.

“There was a 15-minute spell that cost us against England because that was a game in the balance. That’s all part of the learning because good teams punish you for that.

“The boys still showed a lot of courage and character and that’s pleasing because we had 12 of our 23 who will still be with the Under-20s next year.”