It’s been 10 years since England secured their third World Rugby U20s title in four years with a fantastic victory over Ireland.
Standout that day, Harry Mallindar scored 23 points for England, including two tries and 13 points from the tee, guiding his side to a 45-21 win.
It was an eye-catching moment at the then-AJ Bell Stadium as Martin Haag’s side responded after winning only one game in the 2016 Six Nations at the start of the year.
The journey to victory included wins over Italy, Scotland, and Australia in the pool stages, followed by a semi-final win over South Africa.
However, looking back on a memorable day for English rugby, only one player from that starting XV has been selected in Steve Borthwick’s November Nations Championship squad.
Starting team:
15. Max Mallins
Has played in all four of Saracens’ Gallagher PREM matches so far this season. He made his England senior debut against Georgia in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup; he last played for England against Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
14. Sam Aspland-Robinson
Leicester Tigers released him in July 2022, and he now co-owns a gym with former teammate Ellis Genge.
13. Joe Marchant
Played during England’s World Cup campaign in France, but became ineligible for selection due to signing for Top 14 side Stade Français. He has since joined Sale Sharks and was selected for Steve Borthwick’s 36-player training squad.
12. Jonny Williams
The centre switched nations in 2020, moving to the Scarlets and representing Wales. He qualifies to play internationally for the country through his father, who is from Rhyl.
11. Matt Gallagher
After playing for both Munster and Bath, Gallagher signed a three-year contract with Italian United Rugby Championship side Benetton in 2024. In July 2024, he made his Italy debut, starting at fullback against Samoa.
10. Harry Mallinder
England’s best player that day in 2024 was one of 16 athletes selected for the National Football League (NFL) International Player Pathway Program. Unsurprisingly, the fly-half was registered as a kicker or punter.
9. Max Green
Currently playing for Oundle Rugby Club. Last played for Harlequins in February this year against Northampton Saints. Before that, he had a loan spell in France’s Nationale with CA Perigueux.
8. Callum Chick
A stalwart for Newcastle before moving to Northampton last season. He made his England senior debut against the United States in Twickenham.
7. Will Evans
Evans was named in the dream team for the 2016 competition, currently plays for Harlequins with over 100 appearances, and also played for Leicester.
6. George Nott
The Welsh-born forward, who now plays regularly at second-row, is in his second season with Cardiff Rugby.
5. Huw Taylor
In 2026, Taylor moved to Plymouth Albion, a National League 1 side, and was named club captain at the start of the season.
4. Stan South
Retired in July after spending six years with Major League Rugby team Old Glory DC.
3. Billy Walker
Currently plays for Cambridge Rugby; re-signed in May for the 2026/27 season. Joined in 2020.
2. Jack Singleton
Singleton is currently ineligible to play for England due to playing for Glasgow Warriors following a loan spell with French side Toulon. Another player who has represented England at the highest level.
1. Lewis Boyce
Most notably, he has spoken about playing rugby league since the 2026 tournament.
