England u20 24/25 Season

[Mr Mwenda]

All I can find is Cambridge rugby saying it is cancelled, no info on Bedford A.

It’s effective behind closed doors have just discovered cos their capacity is constrained.

Ta

[Epaminondas Pules]

England win 59 v 33.

[Which Tyler]

Sounds like a better 2nd half for Cambridge then.
26 down at HT, 26 down at FT

[Banquo]

Sounds like a better 2nd half for Cambridge then.
26 down at HT, 26 down at FT

Deffo. We’d rotated our front row for the 1st half, as our two top props are coming back from injuries and they made a huge difference. Frankly the u20s were huge, fast and very promising, and after a week at Bisham very well prepared- very exciting group, I know Mapletoft and O Shea are very excited.

Moving the match cost us in the region of 40k lost income, but Bedford Ath will have made a few quid (their members ignored the behind closed doors bit!), and were brilliant in hosting with less than a days notice. Gutted for us, but pleased for them.

[fivepointer]

England U20 Men to play Bath United (Friday)

15. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, uncapped)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 5 caps)
13. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, uncapped)
12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, uncapped)
11. Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby, Rosslyn Park, uncapped)
10. Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield Rugby Club, uncapped)
9. Lucas Friday (c) (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 6 caps)
1. Oli Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, uncapped)
3. Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, 9 caps)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 11 caps)
5. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 11 caps) 
6. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 2 caps)
7. Sam Williams (Leicester Tigers, Nottingham Corsairs RFC, uncapped)
8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 9 caps)
Replacements
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, uncapped)
17. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, uncapped)
18. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, uncapped)
19. Tom Burrow (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, uncapped)
20. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, uncapped)
21. Jos Gilmore (Sale Sharks, Sandbach RUFC, uncapped)
22. Reggie Hammick (Saracens, Saints Rugby Peregian, uncapped)
23. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport RFC, uncapped)
24. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 5 caps)
25. Campbell Ridl (Exeter Chiefs, Sharks, uncapped)
26. Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield RUFC, uncapped)
27. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 10 caps)

[Mellsblue]

England U20 Men to play Bath United (Friday)

Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, uncapped)

This will never not piss me off!

[Epaminondas Pules]

I know a lot of the names are less familiar, but blimey that’s a good squad! And without Pollock, McParland and Hall!!

[FKAS]

Not half EP. That pack is bloody impressive with some big units there. Backs are a bit greener but there's talent. I was hoping Pearson would get a go at fullback, he looked assured beyond his years in the PRC.

[Epaminondas Pules]

I know a lot of the names are less familiar, but blimey that’s a good squad! And without Pollock, McParland and Hall!!

D’oh! No Ben Redshaw either!

[Epaminondas Pules]

Not half EP. That pack is bloody impressive with some big units there. Backs are a bit greener but there's talent. I was hoping Pearson would get a go at fullback, he looked assured beyond his years in the PRC.

It’s a very competitive age group. I liked the look of Pearson I must say.

Davies is a big step up from last years 10s. Friday is quality. We lost both starting centres from last year. Lilley was always going to be nailed on for 13 this year.

Add in Hall and Redshaw and it looks that bit more polished. And Archie McP too to battle with Friday for the 9 shirt.

[FKAS]

Not half EP. That pack is bloody impressive with some big units there. Backs are a bit greener but there's talent. I was hoping Pearson would get a go at fullback, he looked assured beyond his years in the PRC.

It’s a very competitive age group. I liked the look of Pearson I must say.

Davies is a big step up from last years 10s. Friday is quality. We lost both starting centres from last year. Lilley was always going to be nailed on for 13 this year.

Add in Hall and Redshaw and it looks that bit more polished. And Archie McP too to battle with Friday for the 9 shirt.

Redshaw still qualifies as well? Damn. That's going to be some backline.

Pearson is only 18, I think Kinder is pretty young as well so they should get at least two maybe three years at this level anyway.

[twitchy]

Despite being an exe fan I haven't seen kane james. Is he good? I see there is a wales online article about him.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Not half EP. That pack is bloody impressive with some big units there. Backs are a bit greener but there's talent. I was hoping Pearson would get a go at fullback, he looked assured beyond his years in the PRC.

It’s a very competitive age group. I liked the look of Pearson I must say.

Davies is a big step up from last years 10s. Friday is quality. We lost both starting centres from last year. Lilley was always going to be nailed on for 13 this year.

Add in Hall and Redshaw and it looks that bit more polished. And Archie McP too to battle with Friday for the 9 shirt.

Redshaw still qualifies as well? Damn. That's going to be some backline.

Pearson is only 18, I think Kinder is pretty young as well so they should get at least two maybe three years at this level anyway.

Yeah he's a 2005 birth, so good for this year too.

All depends on birth year. If they're still 18 now, being in the post January side of the school year, then they'll have two years at this level. Ollie Davies, for example, was 19 in December so he'll only get one year at this level. Angus Hall played last year as a school kid, but as a September birth only gets this year eligibility wise; Bracken the same, but Friday has two years being a July 2006 birth.

[Puja]

It’s a very competitive age group. I liked the look of Pearson I must say.

Davies is a big step up from last years 10s. Friday is quality. We lost both starting centres from last year. Lilley was always going to be nailed on for 13 this year.

Add in Hall and Redshaw and it looks that bit more polished. And Archie McP too to battle with Friday for the 9 shirt.

Redshaw still qualifies as well? Damn. That's going to be some backline.

Pearson is only 18, I think Kinder is pretty young as well so they should get at least two maybe three years at this level anyway.

Yeah he's a 2005 birth, so good for this year too.

All depends on birth year. If they're still 18 now, being in the post January side of the school year, then they'll have two years at this level. Ollie Davies, for example, was 19 in December so he'll only get one year at this level. Angus Hall played last year as a school kid, but as a September birth only gets this year eligibility wise; Bracken the same, but Friday has two years being a July 2006 birth.

It is wild that it's not done on school year and season given that those two synch up as Sept-Sept... and as I type that, I've just realised they possibly don't in the other hemisphere. Never mind, move along, just worked out why they do it by calendar year.

Puja

[Epaminondas Pules]

Despite being an exe fan I haven't seen kane james. Is he good? I see there is a wales online article about him.

He's decent. Played U18s for Wales, got a scholarship to Sedbergh for A levels then to Chiefs and Exeter Uni. His dad is definitely Welsh. Not sure on mom. Probably not as well thought of as a Carnduff or Pollock, but he's good.

Nick Lilley is someone you should be very excited about.

[FKAS]

Despite being an exe fan I haven't seen kane james. Is he good? I see there is a wales online article about him.

He's decent. Played U18s for Wales, got a scholarship to Sedbergh for A levels then to Chiefs and Exeter Uni. His dad is definitely Welsh. Not sure on mom. Probably not as well thought of as a Carnduff or Pollock, but he's good.

Nick Lilley is someone you should be very excited about.

Where do we think Pollock is coming back into that backrow? He going to come in for James or Williams.

Part of me wants to see him and Williams in the same backrow because they are such abrasive characters it'll be a lot of fun in the poor 6N weather watching the needle between them and the opposition.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Despite being an exe fan I haven't seen kane james. Is he good? I see there is a wales online article about him.

He's decent. Played U18s for Wales, got a scholarship to Sedbergh for A levels then to Chiefs and Exeter Uni. His dad is definitely Welsh. Not sure on mom. Probably not as well thought of as a Carnduff or Pollock, but he's good.

Nick Lilley is someone you should be very excited about.

Where do we think Pollock is coming back into that backrow? He going to come in for James or Williams.

Part of me wants to see him and Williams in the same backrow because they are such abrasive characters it'll be a lot of fun in the poor 6N weather watching the needle between them and the opposition.

Depends whether saints keep him for the Prem cup or not. He'd probably come in at 7 and take the captaincy if they do. Be good to see Williams get decent game time. I doubt Pollock play the world cup this year, so blooding the next cab is a must.

[FKAS]

He's decent. Played U18s for Wales, got a scholarship to Sedbergh for A levels then to Chiefs and Exeter Uni. His dad is definitely Welsh. Not sure on mom. Probably not as well thought of as a Carnduff or Pollock, but he's good.

Nick Lilley is someone you should be very excited about.

Where do we think Pollock is coming back into that backrow? He going to come in for James or Williams.

Part of me wants to see him and Williams in the same backrow because they are such abrasive characters it'll be a lot of fun in the poor 6N weather watching the needle between them and the opposition.

Depends whether saints keep him for the Prem cup or not. He'd probably come in at 7 and take the captaincy if they do. Be good to see Williams get decent game time. I doubt Pollock play the world cup this year, so blooding the next cab is a must.

I thought the J6N took precedent over the PRC but not the Prem or is that out of date now.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Where do we think Pollock is coming back into that backrow? He going to come in for James or Williams.

Part of me wants to see him and Williams in the same backrow because they are such abrasive characters it'll be a lot of fun in the poor 6N weather watching the needle between them and the opposition.

Depends whether saints keep him for the Prem cup or not. He'd probably come in at 7 and take the captaincy if they do. Be good to see Williams get decent game time. I doubt Pollock play the world cup this year, so blooding the next cab is a must.

I thought the J6N took precedent over the PRC but not the Prem or is that out of date now.

Up to the clubs I believe still. Saints may want Pollock for the experience in their Prem Cup team. That said they could release him to (probably) captain the U20 side. I'd probably prefer him to stay at club so he can play the A fixture and, like I said, I doubt he'll go with England to the JWC this year. Suspect he'll be off to Argentina.

[FKAS]

Depends whether saints keep him for the Prem cup or not. He'd probably come in at 7 and take the captaincy if they do. Be good to see Williams get decent game time. I doubt Pollock play the world cup this year, so blooding the next cab is a must.

I thought the J6N took precedent over the PRC but not the Prem or is that out of date now.

Up to the clubs I believe still. Saints may want Pollock for the experience in their Prem Cup team. That said they could release him to (probably) captain the U20 side. I'd probably prefer him to stay at club so he can play the A fixture and, like I said, I doubt he'll go with England to the JWC this year. Suspect he'll be off to Argentina.

I'm going back a bit, I remember Cockers being annoyed that Ford was called up for under 20s games when Cockers wanted him for PRC games. Club could have him for Prem games but not PRC when there were age grade conflicts. That was a while back so may well have changed since then.

[Which Tyler]

England U20 Men to play Bath United (Friday)

15. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, uncapped)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 5 caps)
13. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, uncapped)
12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, uncapped)
11. Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby, Rosslyn Park, uncapped)
10. Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield Rugby Club, uncapped)
9. Lucas Friday (c) (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 6 caps)
1. Oli Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, uncapped)
3. Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, 9 caps)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 11 caps)
5. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 11 caps) 
6. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 2 caps)
7. Sam Williams (Leicester Tigers, Nottingham Corsairs RFC, uncapped)
8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 9 caps)
Replacements
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, uncapped)
17. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, uncapped)
18. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, uncapped)
19. Tom Burrow (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, uncapped)
20. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, uncapped)
21. Jos Gilmore (Sale Sharks, Sandbach RUFC, uncapped)
22. Reggie Hammick (Saracens, Saints Rugby Peregian, uncapped)
23. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport RFC, uncapped)
24. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 5 caps)
25. Campbell Ridl (Exeter Chiefs, Sharks, uncapped)
26. Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield RUFC, uncapped)
27. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 10 caps)

1 Arthur Cordwel
2 Jasper Spandler
3 Kieran Verden
4 Harvey Cuckson
5 Ewan Richards ©
6 Ethan Staddon
7 John Stewart
8 Tom Cowan

09 Tom Carr-Smith
10 Ciaran Donoghue
11 Tyler Offiah
12 Will Butt
13 Louie Hennessey
14 Sam Harris
15 Austin Emens

Replacements: Jack Bennett, Rory Crum, Ieuan Davies, Mackenzie Graham, Arthur Green, Scott Kirk, Will Parry, Max Pearce, Archie Stanley, Raff Weston, Jack Woods, Henry Bartlett (Bath University), Alfie Griffin (Bath University), Tom Hilton (Bath University), James Maloney (Exeter University)


Good to see Sam Harris back from his injury; weird to see John Stewart in the backrow.
Unfortunately, no live stream

[Mellsblue]

I’d hope that who a player plays for in a clash is dealt with on a case by case basis, but this is English rugby so…

[Which Tyler]

Bath 50 - 28 Eng

https://www.bathrugby.com/content/match ... ngland-u20

[jimKRFC]

Not a great game, the tickets were free so went along.

Bath were comfortably on top in the pack for the first half and Butt was all over the England centres - significantly bigger and stronger and they couldn't cope.

After all the talk about Kpoku on here was looking forward to seeing him play. Honestly he looked like he was picked because he's big. Ran close to the rucks but never made much ground and didn't appear to get around the pitch much either.

Englands line out was horrible, most were over thrown straight to Bath. Seemed to be the jumpers that were the issue as the throw looked straight but no-one went up. Scrum was stuffed in the first half but the change in props made a big difference. The 2nd that got sin binned, 19 I think, was a big improvement on 4.

Back play was messy, but mainly due to Bath being off side at every ruck giving no space to do anything.

Best players for England were the 8, 11, 15 & 19

Ref was pretty poor. Didn't control the game at all, at one point 2 Bath players had an England player pinned and punching him and did nothing. The last two Bath tries were dodgy as well, one from a very not straight lineout. The last was from where a Bath player went into a ruck, ended up sat on the floor, picked the ball up to hand to the 9...

[Which Tyler]

General feeling from Bath fans who went could be summed up as "men against boys in the tight five"