Ospreys lock Rory Thornton will lead a 32-man squad for the upcoming Under-20 Six Nations campaign.
Four players have entered the Welsh international pathway for the first time, including Danny Cross, Callum Sheedy, Owen Davies and Rory Bartle.
Nine capped players, including Luke Garrett, Tom Williams and Joe Davies, are also included, as well as Ollie Griffiths and Garyn Smith, both of whom competed in the Under-20s tournament last season.
National Academy coaching manager Allan Lewis said: "We have a young and exciting group of boys with some experienced players from last season.
"Rory was one of our stand-out players at the Junior World Championship last season and his developing maturity and leadership on and off the field means that his selection as captain was a relatively easy one to make."
Wales's first clash is against England at Parc Eirias on Saturday, February 7.
Danielle Joynson
