England U20 Squad 2017

England U20 make four changes to EPS
England open campaign against France in Exeter
Learn more about England's fixtures for the Six Nations, here
England Under 20 have made four changes to their 32-man Elite Player Squad (EPS) ahead of the 2017 Six Nations.

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/england-under-name-six-nations-squad/

Tom Parton (London Irish), Jake Pope (Sale Sharks) and Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby) come into the squad as injury replacements for Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens), Charlie Capps (Yorkshire Carnegie) and Ali Crossdale (Saracens).

Winger Paolo Odogwu (Sale Sharks) makes way for Saracens’ Dominic Morris as the fourth change to the squad.

Morris and Pope have the experience of featuring in last year’s Six Nations and, along with Parton and Seville, joined the rest of the group for a training camp in Loughborough last week as the team prepare to face France U20 at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Saturday 4 February (12:00 kick-off).  

The EPS includes five players who have featured in the Aviva Premiership this season while 10 of the squad have already been capped at this level.

England visit Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay for their second match of the tournament to face defending champions Wales before a home fixture against Italy at Darlington Mowden Park on Friday 24 February at 7:45pm.

England’s penultimate game of the Six Nations is against Scotland on Saturday 11 March at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, kick off 6:15pm. The side then finish their campaign in Dublin, Ireland.

All of the home England U20 Six Nations fixtures in 2017 will be shown live on Sky Sports.

England U20 Elite Player Squad 2017:

Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish), Will Butler (Worcester Warriors), Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs), Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors), Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks), Max Malins (Saracens), Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Dominic Morris (Saracens), Josh Morris (Saracens), Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nay (Saracens), Tom Parton (London Irish), Jake Pope (Sale Sharks), Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby), Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby), Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors), Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), Zac Xiourouppa (Worcester Warriors).

England U20 Six Nations fixtures:
England v France: Saturday 4th February – Sandy Park, Exeter (KO 12:00pm)
Wales v England: Friday 10th February – Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay (KO 7:15pm)
England v Italy: Friday 24th February – Darlington Mowden Park (KO 7:45pm)
England v Scotland: Saturday 11th March – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton (KO 6:15pm)
Ireland v England: Friday 17th March – Donnybrook Stadium, (KO 6:00pm)

By Position:

Props:

Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
Josh Morris (Saracens)
Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby)

Hooker

Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks)
Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)

Second Row:

Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)

Back-row:

Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Jack Nay (Saracens)
Zac Xiourouppa (Worcester Warriors)

Scrum Halves:

Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)

Stand Off:

Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)

Centres:

Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
Dominic Morris (Saracens)
Jacob Umaga (Wasps)

Wings:

Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)
Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)

Fullback:

Max Malins (Saracens)
Tom Parton (London Irish)

I reckon that this is one of the most interesting groups we've had in a while.  A large number of them are getting regular game time for their clubs.  In my opinion the ones to particualry look out for are Nick Isekwe, The Curry Twins, Zach Mercer, Jack Maunder, the two fly halfs, Joe Cokanasiga and Jacob Umaga.  Thinking about it, this is one of our stronger age grade groups, I'm expecting good things from these guys.

It is a shame Paolo Odogwu isn't playing, but I am guessing Sale need him.

Thinking about it, these locks must be very good to keep Ehize Ehizode out of the squad too, that lad is a beast.

Who's that Ehizode?

That's a strong squad. Having played Toulon superbly the Curry brothers will star in this tournament!  

Odogwu would have caused carnage I'm this tournament aswell!

Ehize Ehizode is a young lock at Wasps (still only 18 I think), but he is big and athletic. I've seen him in academy games on a couple of occasions and he stands out. He has a very good carrying game, but jumps well in the line-out too.

The rugby paper did a feature on him earlier this year:

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/features/young-gun/26445/young-gun-ehize-ehizode-wasps-lock/

The English second-row factory keeps churning them out.

Bodes well for the JWRC, can imagine Odogwu and Will Evans coming back in to strengthen even further

Ehizode is 6'5 and 18 st. So he's another in the stamp of Itoje who is a lock but essential covers all back 5 roles....??

Yeah, but I think he has/ will have a little more beef and a little less athleticism than Itoje.

Team for the France match has been published:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish), 14. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), 13. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), 12. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors), 11. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), 10. Max Malins (Saracens), 9. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby), 8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), 7. Ben Earl (Saracens) captain, 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), 5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), 4. Jack Nay (Saracens), 3. Joseph Morris (Worcester Warriors), 2. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby), 1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby).

Replacements: 16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), 17. Jake Pope (Sale Sharks), 18. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), 19. Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors), 20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), 21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), 22. Jacob Umaga (Wasps), 23. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins).

Good team, considering those not involved with other commitments. Looking forward to seeing that back row in action. Lots of depth there with Ben Curry on club duty and Evans not involved for the 6N. Don't know too much about the front row

Theres some back row talent coming through isn't there!

Ollie Dawe at Bristol...is he a relation of Graham?
Isiekwe the Saracens lock is supposed to be another special one coming through..

And is that LI winger Cokanasiga the huge powerhouse who scored that cracking try v London Scottish?

Edit - Yes he is...not the best tackling but decent try all the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcCs3xXCj7U

Yeah, Cokanasiga looks to have all the tools. Was at this game where he scored a couple and made another. Caused Rotherham all sorts of problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKC7btrcQyc&t=1s

Think I've read that Ollie is Grahams's son somewhere. Also enjoy watching Randall whenever I've seen him. No idea how he'll get on in senior rugby as he's a midget, but fun to watch and a real livewire

A very impressive first 40 from England, the basic skills are brilliant. Everything is done with precision at speed, France don't know where to look. Two Saracens players have stood out for me; Malins and Earls. Malins in particular looks dangerous every time he has the ball, controlling the game really well. Mind you it has been an absolute arm chair ride for him, the forwards have been dominant.

59-17 final score. Eeep

lostinwales wrote:59-17 final score. Eeep

Some scoreline!

Were England that good, France that bad or a mixture of both?

That might be the best u20 performance from an England side I have ever seen. The defence and handling was superb, and I thought we were excellent at the ruck. The depth of talent looks amazing.

Great to see the backrow talent we now have as even when the u20s started to get really good we didn't always have the number of good backrow players I had hoped for.

I have to go with Earls and Malins as well. Malins looks a really special talent, the way he mixed his game up.

Just watched the highlights with the U20s which was very impressive, given that big French team were no mugs either. The fitness and skill levels were superior and that FH Malins looks a talent.
There are a few more AP players potentially to come into this squad and are looking strong again this year.

profitius wrote:

lostinwales wrote:59-17 final score. Eeep

Some scoreline!

Were England that good, France that bad or a mixture of both?

England were good, but France seem to be stuck in a time warp where they pick big brutes and try to smash the opposition. England had sizeable players too but there must be more emphasis on skill and conditioning because the French players looked like they were chasing shadows at times.

Max Malins was superb against France. I see he has been rested for Wales tonight?

Recalled by Sarries. Would suggest he has a shot of being in their 23 for the weekend

Margin_Walker wrote:Recalled by Sarries. Would suggest he has a shot of being in their 23 for the weekend

I don't blame them - he is one hell of a talent

Is the U20s game on TV tonight?

propdavid_london wrote:Is the U20s game on TV tonight?

It's on BBC2 Wales.

Yes bbc2 Wales I believe

England U20 squad to face Wales U20:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)
13. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)
12. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
10. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)
9. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)

8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens – captain)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
5. Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors)
4. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
3. Joseph Morris (Worcester Warriors)
2. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)

Replacements:
16. Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks)
17. Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby)
18. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
19. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
22. James Grayson (Northampton Saints)
23. Dominic Morris (Saracens)

Interesting that Tom Curry is playing in this game and the other one is on the bench for sale against us.

Shame about Malins not playing (but understandable), does Jacob Umaga play 10 very often? I thought he was an out and out centre.

Yes Cumbrian he has mostly played FH but moved to centre a bit last year.

He played in the Anglo-welsh cup for Wasps at FH on his senior debut

Cheers guys

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting that Tom Curry is playing in this game and the other one is on the bench for sale against us.

I thought they were both flankers but Ben is named in the hooker replacement shirt for Sale

BamBam wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting that Tom Curry is playing in this game and the other one is on the bench for sale against us.

I thought they were both flankers but Ben is named in the hooker replacement shirt for Sale

Ben is a flanker. Neild plays hooker, although is starting in the back row. He'd likely act as the reserve hooker

I might be wrong but I think Saracens are playing Max Malins to increase the amount of EQ players in the 23.

Saracens have been too low this season. It's been too low because of losing players to England.

Plus technically he's the 3rd choice 10 and with Farrell being with England, he moves up to 2nd.

6Ns champs v World champs

Margin_Walker wrote:

BamBam wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting that Tom Curry is playing in this game and the other one is on the bench for sale against us.

I thought they were both flankers but Ben is named in the hooker replacement shirt for Sale

Ben is a flanker. Neild plays hooker, although is starting in the back row. He'd likely act as the reserve hooker

Ah that makes sense, cheers

Another decent game which England managed to win. England's second try was a thing of beauty.

Zach Mercer's performance is the best individual performance I an remember from an England age-group player. He's miles ahead of where Billy was at the same age. I can imagine Mercer playing 6 for the seniors before 2019, and with Vunipola at 8 that gives plenty of flexibility about who is picked at lock and at 7.

DaveM wrote:Another decent game which England managed to win. England's second try was a thing of beauty.

Zach Mercer's performance is the best individual performance I an remember from an England age-group player. He's miles ahead of where Billy was at the same age. I can imagine Mercer playing 6 for the seniors before 2019, and with Vunipola at 8 that gives plenty of flexibility about who is picked at lock and at 7.

Yes DaveM although I thought Malin last week was just as outstanding. These 2 players are real quality.

Mercer has grabbed the chance of 10 AP games this season due to the injury toll at Bath, with Faletau, Denton, Garvey, Louw, Sisi and Guy Mercer all being out for extended periods. He has been rewarded with a senior three year contract and with the players around him will only get better. Young Tom Ellis from the academy is also just as good albeit a couple of years older.

Blackadder chose to leave him with the U20s rather than call him back for the saints game. It will be interesting to see if he gets a rest or is in the squad for the Quins game next week.

Zach Mercer is made captain for the game in Darlington against Italy. The English side has made eight changes from the bonus point win away in Wales, with five potential debutants coming off the bench. Those not playing join a number of further individuals currently playing in the AP.

England are on a seven match winning run, Italy have lost their last fourteen matches and since joing the competition in 2008, have only ever won away from home once, in 2011 against Scotland and England U20s have not yet to lost to Italy.

If England's first two games are anything to go by, should be an entertaining game.

U20s on TV tonight?

Yes it is on 'Sky Sports Mix', coverage starts at 7:30.

England U20 squad to face Italy U20:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish), 14. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), 13. Dominic Morris (Saracens), 12. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins), 10. Jacob Umaga (Wasps), 9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), 1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby), 2. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), 3. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), 4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs), 5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), 6. Jack Nay (Saracens), 7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), 8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby - captain).

Replacements: 16. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby), 17. Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby), 18. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs), 19. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons), 20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), 21. Rory Brand (London Irish), 22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins), 23. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish).

Jesus....Rugby is officially soft!!!!

An Italian prop has just been carded for a very good tackle that upended the England player. Yet the ref deemed it no arms.

Ah man....the officials are killing this great game of ours!!

It's another tackle which by the rules is right but it's a rule brought in around a tip tackle rather than one of those low chops that doesn't quite come off.

Nice try by Mercer from the back of a scrum

What a player Zach Mercer looks. Look forward to seeing his development over the next few years!

I know people have compared him to Alex Gray, but the comparison is lazy and misplaced to my mind. Mercer seems to have a lot more about him than Gray did. I hoped for alot from Gray, but he was a show pony, Mercer has grit.

Bayliss gates his second try.

That back row has worked very well.

But Italy are poor

Cumbrian wrote:I know people have compared him to Alex Gray, but the comparison is lazy and misplaced to my mind.   Mercer seems to have a lot more about him than Gray did.  I hoped for alot from Gray, but he was a show pony, Mercer has grit.

Yeah I think your right marra. He needs to add a wee bit of muscle / bulk, but not too much. Looks a real prospect.

But Curry and Bayliss have played well also.

Parton Scores... 39-0

England clinical and playing well against a pretty poor Italy.

But this looks one of the best England U20 sides ive seen for quite a while.

Curry looks like a proper fetcher, he and his brother are going to have a lot to say about England back-row selection over the next 5-10 years I reckon. Battling out with Evans from Leicester and Underhill from 'Bath'. We've gone from no traditional open-sides to at least 4 I reckon.

Yeah definitely.