Ospreys man Howells enjoyed a meteoric rise last season, going on to win full international honours with Wales on the two-Test tour of Japan. In 2014, he is one of the more experienced members of the Wales Under 20 squad who kick off their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Parc Eirias on Friday night.
Howells starts on the right wing in north Wales in a side which features just five players who turned out for Wales Under 20 last season.
“Daf brings a lot to the team in terms of coming from the senior set-up,” said Wales Under 20 coach Hayward.
“His ability as a rugby player is the main thing he can bring to our team. He is a bit like Jordan Williams who we had with us last year in that he can change a game and do something out of nothing.
“He has an X factor and hopefully the other boys will follow him.”
Scarlets centre Steff Hughes leads Wales on Friday with RGC 1404 duo Harri Evans and Afon Bagshaw both featuring from the off on their home ground. In the pack, hooker Elliot Dee, prop Nicky Thomas and No. 8 James Benjamin are familiar faces with Ethan Davies and Tom Williams of the Cardiff Blues linking up at half back.
Hayward said: “Our selection for this game has been based on the form of the players in the Principality Premiership and the way they have co-ordinated themselves in this environment.
“It’s a chance to give these young players exposure to the squad but at the same time, getting that balance right. It’s about us developing strength in depth to give these players experience. We’ve got a couple of injuries in the second row but it is what it is and we will have to get on with it.
“We will be looking to expose as many players as possible to the top level before the Junior World Championship.
“There are two north Wales players involved this weekend and they have been selected on merit and on the way they have played for RGC 1404. They deserve to be there and deserve the chance to get a start at this level.”
Captain Hughes, who crossed for the Scarlets in their LV=Cup win over Gloucester last Friday, said: “Parc Eirias is a great place to play. We’re looking forward to going back up there and getting a good start to the Six Nations this year.”
Tickets are still available for Friday night’s game from Colwyn Leisure Centre and Venue Cymru (online at www.venuecymru.co.uk until Thursday evening/ tel 01492 872000/ The Promenade, Llandudno) from £5 Under 16s and from £10 for adults.
Wales Under 20 Six Nations fixtures 2014
Wales Under 20 v Italy – Friday 31 January – Eirias – 7.10pm
Ireland Under 20 v Wales – Friday 7 February – Dubarry Park, Ahtlone – 7.35pm
Wales Under 20 v France – Saturday 22 February – Eirias – 6.05pm
England Under 20 v Wales – Friday 7 March – Kingston Park, Newcastle – 7.45pm
Wales Under 20 v Scotland – Friday 14 March – Eirias – 7pm
