England U20s Head Coach Mark Mapletoft has named his side, who will take on Ireland U20s this Saturday. Marking the start of England’s campaign in the 2023 U20s World Championships, there are some exceptionally gifted youngsters within the squad.
England take on Ireland, Fiji and Australia in their Pool, as this year’s pinnacle competition for breakthrough talents gets underway this weekend in South Africa. Fresh off of his transfer to former London rivals Harlequins, ex-London Irish star Chandler Cunningham-South slots in at number eight.
Former Worcester Warriors prop Finn Theobald-Thomas slots in at hooker, between Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour and London Irish Academy talent Afolabi Fasogabon.
Harlequins Academy star Connor Slevin makes his international debut, as he leads the line at fly half. Nathan Jibulu brings the Quins representation up to three, as he is ready to make an impact off the bench. Charlie Bracken is back to make more headlines at scrum half, as the son of world cup winner Kyran Bracken, has been tearing up the international age-group scene.
England U20s v Ireland U20s will be available to livestream on World Rugby’s digital channels, and ITV will also broadcast highlights from each match day.