Two Northampton Saints players have been named in England’s matchday squad as they go in search of a first U20 Six Nations Grand Slam since 2021.
Oli Scola and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave are set to earn their fifth and fourth U20 caps respectively as replacements at Cardiff Arms Park against Wales on Friday 14 March (kick-off: 7.30pm) – which will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer.
Victories over Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy has taken Mark Mapletoft’s side to 18 points – three clear of nearest rivals France entering the final round.
Head coach Mapletoft said: “We’re grateful for the efforts of those involved within the pathway that have been essential in contributing to our strong standing heading into Friday’s game. Our players have taken the opportunities presented to them, overcoming difficult tests week-on-week, and have impressed as a Brotherhood.
“The team have been on a journey over the past two months, and the progression has been very pleasing. That said, there’s so much to play for and our squad have prepared diligently to amplify their strengths and take that final step forwards in Cardiff, whatever it takes.
“The staff and I want the players to give their all and exceed the expectations of the occasion that lies ahead of us this week.”
England U20 Men team to face Wales
15 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 2 caps)
14 Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 9 caps)
13 Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 10 caps)
12 Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, 3 caps)
11 Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, 3 caps)
10 Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 8 caps)
9 Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport RFC, 2 caps)
1 Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 4 caps)
2 Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 4 caps)
3 Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 4 caps)
4 Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 15 caps)
5 Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 4 caps)
6 Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 14 caps)
7 George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 6 caps)
8 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 13 caps)
Replacements:
16 Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 4 caps)
17 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 4 caps)
18 Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, Birmingham Moseley RFC, 1 cap)
19 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 3 caps)
20 Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 2 caps)
21 Joe Davis (Newcastle Falcons, Bishop Auckland RUFC, 1 cap)
22 Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 14 caps)
23 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 3 caps)
