Six Northampton Saints youngsters are set to feature for England Under-18s this Thursday (10 April, kick-off 12.15pm), as head coach Jonathan Pendlebury and assistant coach Will Parkin name their 26-player squad for the clash against Scotland.
Fullback James Pater, winger Charlie Tamani and back rower Jack Lewis – who all earned a maiden cap in a 22-17 victory against Ireland last weekend – all start in the opening match of the the 2025 U18 Six Nations Festival, which kicks off at 12.15pm (BST) at Stade Municipal Louis Darragon in Vichy, France.
There is room for three more of Northampton’s U18s Premiership title-winning side amongst the 11 replacements named for the clash, with lock Archie Appleby, fly-half Hugh Shields and centre Henry Lumley all set earn their second caps at this age-grade should they enter the action.
Ahead of the tournament opener, head coach Pendlebury said: “Our emphasis is to seize the opportunity and compete together as a brotherhood against a very tough Scotland side. We know that they will bring a challenge in our set-piece battle in particular, as well as on both sides of the ball.
“The last few days together have been invaluable in correcting our mindset and approach following on from Ireland last week. All players have taken ownership around our speed, attachment and space focuses, and are looking to put learnings into practice to get better in their development across our three games.
“This group recognises Thursday as the time put their talents on show and make a determined, positive first step in the opening act of the tournament.”
The match will be streamed live on England Rugby’s YouTube channel HERE.
ENGLAND UNDER-18s SIDE TO FACE SCOTLAND
(includes current academy, community club, school/college and U18 caps)
15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, The Leys School, 1 cap)
14 Junior Denny (Gloucester Rugby, Banbury Rugby Club, Bloxham School, 1 cap)
13 Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, Bank of England RFC, Clifton College, 4 caps)
12 Will Knight (c) (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, Hartpury College, 1 cap)
11 Charlie Tamani (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, Finborough School 1 cap)
10 Oscar Talbot (Leicester Tigers, Barkers Butts RFC, Rugby School, 1 cap)
9 Isaac Mears (Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School, 1 cap)
1 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, Bishop Wand School, 1 cap)
2 Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby, Drybrook RFC, Hartpury College, 1 cap)
3 Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby, Alcester, Stourport High School & Sixth Form College, 1 cap)
4 Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, Dean Close School, 1 cap)
5 Henry Laidlow (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, Trinity School, 1 cap)
6 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, Gordon’s School, 7 caps)
7 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, Northampton School for Boys, 1 cap)
8 George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, Denstone College, 1 cap)
Replacements:
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, Bishop Wand School, 1 cap)
17 Oliver Spencer (Yorkshire Academy, Harrogate RUFC, Grammar School at Leeds, 1 cap)
18 Sam Bland (Yorkshire Academy, Wharfdale, Bishop Burton College, 1 cap)
19 Archie Appleby (Northampton Saints, Hadleigh RUFC, Sedbergh School, 1 cap)
20 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, Worth School, 1 cap)
21 Matthew Branch-Holland (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, Ravens Wood, 3 caps)
22 James Townsend (Leicester Tigers, Harbury Rugby Football Club, Warwick School, 1 cap)
23 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians, Northampton School for Boys, 1 cap)
24 Declan Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton RFC, Beechen Cliff School, 1 cap)
25 Henry Lumley (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, Finborough School, 1 cap)
26 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, Ravens Wood, uncapped)
ENGLAND UNDER-18s SIX NATIONS FESTIVAL FIXTURES
Matchday 1 – England vs Scotland (Thursday 10 April, kick-off: 12.15pm BST)
Matchday 2 – Spain vs England (Monday 14 April, kick-off: 10.00am BST)
Matchday 3 – France vs England (Friday 18th April, kick-off: 5.30pm BST)
