The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can today confirm the England U19 Men’s side will face the Japan National High School Team next spring at Iffley Road, Oxford.
The Unions’ pathway sides meet at the home of Oxford University on Saturday 21st March 2026 (14:00 BST kick-off). The venue previously hosted England U20 Men’s 44-5 victory over the university’s Blues side in 2023, and Japan National High School Team’s 45-14 win against Oxford University earlier this year.
England U19 Men rounded off their calendar year with a seven-try, 49-17 victory over Wales at the Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach last Friday.
The Japan National High School Team return to England after a three-match tour in 2024, which included a thrilling 52-47 result in March where England U19 Men emerged victors. Noah Caluori, Will Knight, Aidan Ainsworth-Cave, Oli Scola and Seb Kelly all featured on the day and went on to earn their U20 debuts or add to their caps this summer.
England U19 Men serves as an avenue for England Rugby pathway players to develop their skillsets with meaningful gametime on the international circuit, with fixtures also giving valuable minutes to players then eligible for selection in the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Championship.
England U19 Men will also face France at Castle Park next April. Confirmation of coaching staff for the spring fixtures will follow in due course.
Mark Mapletoft, Head of Men’s Player Pathway, said: “Last Friday was a valuable first outing for a group with immense motivation to stake their claim in the England men’s pathway.
“Whilst the group will naturally evolve between now and March, the aim to build togetherness across the pathway will remain and the U19 side embodies our bond across age-grade staff and players.
“As proven last season, our home fixture against Japan is an exciting addition to our schedule and will serve as an opportune window for our cohort to continue to develop.”
Ian Kench, Oxford University RFC General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting England U19s v Japan National High School Team. Iffley Road over the years has been graced by many international teams and we are delighted to be bringing this showpiece event to the Oxfordshire rugby community.”
England U19 Men’s 2025/26 fixtures and results
Wales U19 Men 17-49 England U19 Men – Friday 19th December 2025, 15:00 GMT KO – Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach
England U19 Men vs. Japan National High School Team – Saturday 21st March 2026, 14:00 GMT KO – Iffley Road, Oxford University
England U19 Men vs. France U19 Men – Saturday 4th April 2026, 14:00 BST KO – Castle Park, Doncaster
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