Four tries for Singleton as England U20 beat Italy

Italy U20 7-42 England U20

England Under 20 bounced back from their defeat to Scotland with a seven-try victory over Italy, which included four for hooker Jack Singleton.

Jon Callard’s side led 17-0 at the break with Singleton (two) and Max Malins all crossing while Joe Marchant sent over a conversion.

The tries continued to flow after half-time with George Perkins scoring England’s fourth which Marchant converted.

Singleton crossed for his hat trick, with Marchant’s penalty making it 32-0 before Gabriele Venditti charged over for Italy’s only try as Leonardo Mantelli added the conversion.

There was more to come for England as Singleton scored his fourth while Curtis Langdon went over on his debut as the game ended 42-7.

Singleton’s four tries capped off a wonderful display by the Worcester Warriors player.

“I’m chuffed but it was more important to get the win,” said Singleton.

“I didn’t have to do too much for most of my tries, the forwards did all the work and the backs were bossing us around so it was pretty easy in the end. They did all the hard graft and I got to go over in the corner.

“It was a great feeling at the end. We had a pretty tough week after that Scotland game and wanted to put a lot of stuff right and I think we went out there and did that.”

The two nations have met 11 times now at U20 level with England victorious on each occasion, the last eight by 35 points or more and Italy scoring no more than seven points in any of those games.

Head Coach Jon Callard said: “We were very composed tonight and the game management was excellent in difficult wet and greasy conditions. We had to work hard particularly in the first twenty minutes to get into the right areas of the field and, although we didn’t immediately turn that into points, our intent to play meant we wore Italy down effectively.

“Credit goes to the coaches and especially Rory Teague for our attack; for encouraging good ball play by both the forwards and the backs. They weren’t all push over tries, we moved Italy around and then capitalised on the openings that were created.

“This win is a massive confidence booster to this young group. It shows them that results come when they combine hard work during the week with the confidence and conviction to put it into practice on the Friday night. The players can be very pleased knowing they have earned this win with a good performance in testing conditions but with Ireland up next the hard work continues if we are to back this up in Newcastle.”

Scorers:

Tries: Singleton (4), Malins, Perkins, Langdon
Conversions: Marchant (2)
Pen: Marchant

England U20 v Italy U20

15. Max Malins (Saracens)
14. George Perkins (Saracens)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
10. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)

1. Tom West (Wasps)
2. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
5. George Nott (Sale Sharks)
6. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
7. Sam Smith (Worcester Warriors)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons) (c)

16. Curtis Langdon (London Irish)
17. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
18. Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Stan South (Harlequins)
20. Jack Willis (Wasps)
21. Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
22. Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
23. Paolo Odogwu (Leicester Tigers)

U20 Six Nations:

Scotland 24 – 6 England
Friday 5 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow

Italy 7 – 42 England
Friday 12 February (7.10pm local time)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Tickets are available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2863

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.45pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Tickets are available here: http://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/categories/bristolrugbyhome

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm local time)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

England U20 make six changes for Italy

England U20 have made six changes to the starting line-up and named seven debutants for their Six Nations game against Italy on Friday night at the Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave (6.10pm GMT).

Max Malins, Sam Smith and George Nott all win their first caps as England aim to bounce back from their 24-6 defeat by Scotland.

If Ralph Adams-Hale, Curtis Langdon, Paolo Odogwu and Jack Willis all feature from the bench, a total of 24 players will have made their debuts and had the chance to test themselves at U20 international level over the two games.

Callum Chick will captain the side in the absence of the injured Jack Walker. The Newcastle Falcons No 8 brings the experience of leading the U18s on tour to South Africa last summer.

Head Coach Jon Callard said: “It is good to be able to give a number of players an opportunity this Friday after others have unfortunately been ruled out with injury. Max Malins and Sam Smith also come into the mix after being unavailable for selection against Scotland.

“The opening loss is in the past and now we have to look forward at ways to improve our performance. We had 64% possession and the positive is that we had clear chances. We want the players to take confidence from that and this week one of our key aims is to be clinical enough to take points from those plays.”

Twelve clubs are represented in the squad and among the six changes to the starting XV, Gloucester’s Mat Protheroe moves to fly half, where he featured for the latter part of the game against Scotland, and Malins comes in at full back.

Chick plays in a changed back row which includes Zach Mercer and Smith – whose return allows him to cover for the injured Josh Bainbridge. Nott starts at No 5 and Jack Singleton steps up from the bench in place of Walker.

England U20 v Italy U20

15. Max Malins (Saracens)
14. George Perkins (Saracens)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
10. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)

1. Tom West (Wasps)
2. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
5. George Nott (Sale Sharks)
6. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
7. Sam Smith (Worcester Warriors)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons) (c)

Replacements:

16. Curtis Langdon (London Irish)
17. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
18. Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Stan South (Harlequins)
20. Jack Willis (Wasps)
21. Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
22. Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
23. Paolo Odogwu (Leicester Tigers)

U20 Six Nations:

Scotland 24 – 6 England
Friday 5 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow Available to view live on englandrugby.com

v Italy
Friday 12 February (7.10pm local time)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Tickets are available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2863

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.45pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Tickets are available here: http://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/categories/bristolrugbyhome

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm local time)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

Disappointing start for England U20 in Scotland

England’s defence of their U20 Six Nations Championship title got off to a disappointing start, losing 24-6 to Scotland at Cumbernauld.

Scotland led 12-6 at the break with tries from full back Blair Kinghorn in the corner and Murray McCallum under the posts.

Joe Simmonds kicked two penalties for England – who also lost captain Jack Walker to the sin bin on the stroke of half time.

The hosts then scored 12 unanswered points as forwards Scott Cummings and Matt Smith both bundled over while Kinghorn added to his first-half conversion to take his personal tally to nine.

It was a first ever victory over England for Scotland’s U20 side who had failed to win in 11 previous attempts and was also the first time they had won four games in a row at that level.

The scrum was a huge area of success for England on an otherwise disappointing night and Head Coach Jon Callard said his side were guilty of not playing to their strengths.

“Scotland were hungry and credit to them for the way they played – they were committed and forced errors,” he said.

“We had a lot of possession but they capitalised on our mistakes and the more the game went on, the more we chased it, and the more Scotland fed off that.

“I thought our scrum was excellent and we should have played on that more.  Our line out was also winning us good ball but our driving play wasn’t where it should be and we were too often disjointed.

“I’ve got great belief in this young group of players. England have been in this situation before and bounced back and now we need to see this as an opportunity to do that again. We need to dust ourselves off, regroup and move forwards into the rest of the Championship.”

England U20 v Scotland U20:

15. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)*
14. George Perkins (Saracens)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)*
10. Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)*
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)*

1. Tom West (Wasps)
2. Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)*
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)*
5. Stan South (Harlequins)*
6. Archie White (Harlequins)*
7. Josh Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)*

Replacements:

16. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)*
17. Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)*
18. Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)*
19. Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)*
20. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)*
21. Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)*
22. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)*
23. Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)*

*Players capped for the first time in this game

U20 Six Nations:

Scotland 24 – 6 England
Friday 5 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow Available to view live on englandrugby.com

v Italy
Friday 12 February (7.10pm local time)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Tickets are available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2863

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.45pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Tickets are available here: http://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/categories/bristolrugbyhome

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm local time)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

Walker to lead England U20 against Scotland

England U20 have named their side to kick off the defence of the Six Nations title at Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow on Friday (8pm).

The match follows that of the England Women and the double header can be watched live on englandrugby.com.

Jack Walker will captain the team for the first time and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brother Chris who led the age group to victory in 2012 when they retained the Championship. It was against Scotland two years ago that the hooker from Yorkshire Carnegie, aged 17, became the second youngest player to make an U20 debut (behind Luke Cowan-Dickie).

Walker and George Perkins were the only players involved in last year’s 26-11 victory over Scotland at Mowden Park. However, Tom West, Josh Bainbridge and Joe Marchant all featured in the successful Six Nations campaign, together with Charlie Thacker who starts at inside centre after being called into camp this week.

Billy Keast is another addition and the Exeter Chiefs prop is one of six players who make the step up, having toured with the U18s to South Africa last summer.

Head Coach Jon Callard said: “The players have trained really well this week, they work hard for each other, and I’m encouraged with where we are at. Credit goes to all the coaches for the progress that this group has made.

“The first game of any Championship is always tough, especially playing away in Scotland, but the players are excited about getting started. 

“We’re looking for them to use this competition to continue developing their all-round game. For example, we want functionally fit forwards who, as well as having a strong set piece, are ball handlers and good decision makers right across the field. You can always come back to a tighter game but we want players to see this as an opportunity to express themselves and enjoy playing for their country.”

England U20 to play Scotland U20:

15. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
14. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
11. George Perkins (Saracens)
10. Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)

1. Tom West (Wasps)
2. Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie), (c)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
5. Stan South (Harlequins)
6. Archie White (Harlequins)
7. Josh Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)

Replacements:

16. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
17. Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
18. Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
20. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
21. Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
22. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
23. Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)

U20 Six Nations:

v Scotland
Friday 5 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow
Available to view live on englandrugby.com

v Italy
Friday 12 February (7.10pm local time)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Tickets are available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2863

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.45pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Tickets are available here: http://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/categories/bristolrugbyhome

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm local time)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

New names for England U20

Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby) and Calum Waters (Harlequins) have been named in the England U20 Elite Player Squad, which otherwise remains unchanged, as they target the defence of their Six Nations title.

The full-back and scrum half are attending this week’s camp in Loughborough as replacements for John Williams, who has first team commitments with London Irish, and Northampton Saints’ Alex Mitchell, who is ruled out with a knee injury.

Jon Callard will lead the campaign and steps in as interim head coach after Ian Peel moved on to join the Saracens coaching team and to assist the England senior team as scrum coach for the 2016 RBS 6 Nations. 

The squad ethos remains the same as Callard explains: “The mission for this group is to make other people shine. It is about players being individually the best they can be, making the others the best they want to be.  This comes from having a strong work ethic and a team focus. We want to put the right processes in place to play exciting international rugby and to develop these aspiring international players for the future senior team.”

Eddie Jones named a number of players in his squad who have recently come through the development pathway including last season’s U20 prop Paul Hill, former World Rugby U20 Championship winning captains Jack Clifford and Maro Itoje plus Elliot Daly, Ollie Devoto and Sam Hill.

Callard will work alongside the newly-appointed backs coach Rory Teague, who joined from Saracens Academy, and experienced age grade forwards coach Peter Walton. The trio will be will be supported by specialists Simon Hardy and Richard Hill.

“We had tough camps in August and December last year but have a number of changes for this week,” added Callard.

“We now need to get everyone quickly to speed and the endeavour and enthusiasm shown by the players in training yesterday will certainly help that process. 

“The final preparations ahead of a Championship are always the most challenging with competition now just weeks away. Facing a fired up Scotland team in Glasgow on the first weekend will be a good test for these players – the first game is always exciting and will give us a good understanding of where we are at as a squad.”  

In a double header the U20s take to the field at Glasgow’s Broadwood Stadium after the England Women. Once again their Championship mirrors that of the seniors, but with games taking place on the Friday night of each weekend, and their home games against Ireland and Wales will be played in Newcastle and Bristol respectively (both live on Sky Sports).

Last year’s Six Nations went down-to-the-wire with the game against France on the final weekend becoming a title decider.  England’s 24-11 victory nudged them ahead on points, making it four title wins in five years.

England U20 Elite Player Squad 2016

*Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens) and Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie) are training with the squad as injury cover for Lewis Boyce and Jack Maunder respectively.

Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) temporarily takes the place of Theo Brophy Clews who is fulfilling club duties.

Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby)
Joshua Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Lewis Boyce (Yorkshire Carnegie)*
Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)*
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
Max Malins (Saracens)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Joseph Marchant (Harlequins)
Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)*
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
George Nott (Sale Sharks)
Paolo Odogwu (Leicester Tigers)
George Perkins (Saracens)
Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
Will Safe (Gloucester Rugby)
Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
Samuel Smith (Worcester Warriors)
Stanley South (Harlequins)
William Stuart (Wasps)
Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
Oliver Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Walker (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Calum Waters (Harlequins)
Tom West (Wasps)
Archie White (Harlequins)

U20 Six Nations:

v Scotland
Friday 5 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow

v Italy
Friday 12 February (7.10pm local time)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Tickets are available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2863

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.45pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Tickets are available here: http://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/categories/bristolrugbyhome

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm local time)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

Search begins for 2016’s New Zealand Under 20

Fifty players have been selected to attend the first development camp as coaches work to identify and develop the players who will defend their World Rugby Under 20 Championship title in England next year.

Players selected to attend the development camp in Palmerston North later this month are:

Not considered due to Investec Super Rugby commitments:

Leni Apisai, Wellington
Hugh Renton, Hawke’s Bay
Sam Nock, Northland
Sio Tomkinson, Otago
Jordan Trainor, Waikato
Shaun Stevenson, Waikato

Players not considered due to injury:

Brendan Bond, North Harbour
Hayden Spencer, Waikato
Ere Enari, Canterbury
TJ Va’a, Wellington
Harrison Levien, Waikato

Unavailable due to school exams:

Alex Fidow, Wellington
Thomas Umaga Jensen, Wellington
Peter Umaga Jensen, Wellington

The group will be in camp from 27 November to 2 December with further camps planned in March and April.

Head Coach Scott Robertson said he was excited and looking forward to the first major camp for the Under 20 hopefuls.

“It’s always fantastic to see new bunch of guys come through, and it’s always great to see who’s willing to work hard and take this incredible opportunity.

“These boys will know they have a very real chance of turning rugby into a profession for themselves if they have the determination and willpower to keep working hard for it.

“One of the things I love about this team, is how much talent gets unearthed – the fact that 15 of this year’s championship team have been named in Super Rugby squads or wider training groups, demonstrates the level of talent New Zealand keeps producing.

“We saw some really exciting talent at the national Under 19s tournament in Taupo this year, which is hugely encouraging as we consider all our options.

“This month’s camp will be about giving the boys a taste of this unique national team environment, we’ll lay out our expectations, and we’ll have a good look what sort of nick they are in.

“This summer, they’ll need to exercise some discipline around nutrition and training if they want to stay in the mix. The fact that next year’s tournament is being played in England should be a huge motivator for these guys.”

Robertson will have two new Assistant Coaches with him for the 2016 campaign. Taranaki’s Willie Rickards has been appointed as an assistant alongside Hawke’s Bay Craig Philpott. They replace Tana Umaga who now heads the Blues Super Rugby team and Leon MacDonald who was appointed Head Coach of Tasman.

“Both Willie and Craig come from excellent provincial rugby environments, and I am excited about what both will bring to our campaign,” Robertson said.

The New Zealand Under 20 will play in an Oceania tournament in Australia next year before preparing for the World Championship in Manchester.

England U20 to play in Newcastle and Bristol

England U20 will defend their Six Nations title this season with home games against Ireland at Newcastle’s Kingston Park and Wales at Ashton Gate, Bristol.

The schedule replicates their senior counterparts, with England kicking off the Championship with back-to-back away fixtures in Scotland and Italy before heading to Newcastle on Friday 26thFebruary, kick off 6.05pm.

Bristol will host its first international since 2002 when Ian Peel’s charges face Wales on Friday 11th March, kick off 7.45pm.

The final weekend sees England travel to the South of France for a fixture that has been the Championship decider for the past two years.

England U20’s Six Nations record includes a Grand Slam in 2011 and a retained title in 2012 and 2013 before a single loss in 2014 to France, on the opening weekend, allowed Les Blues to claim the Championship.

Last year’s down-to-the-wire game against France on the final weekend was a title decider.  England’s 24-11 victory nudged them ahead on points, making it four title wins in five years.

England U20 Head Coach Ian Peel said: “The competition changes every year and is always extremely competitive. Many players progress through the age groups and the results from Rugby Europe U18 last season are a good indication of just how tough this coming tournament is going to be.

“Playing in different environments and at different grounds allows us to challenge the players in a number of ways as they learn to handle the external factors. For some games more travel is involved, playing Wales close to the border means hopefully a good crowd and strong support for both teams.

“We want players to understand that, as a squad and management, we create our own environment and remain true to it, whereever we play. The process stays the same, whichever hotel, ground, changing room we are in. The focus is on us and delivering the performance we need.”

Speaking of the fixture to be played at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle Falcons Managing Director Mick Hogan said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring such an exciting game of rugby to our fans in the North East. When we hosted England vs Wales U20 last year the response from the North East public was incredibly positive and we look forward to hosting another fantastic evening of international rugby at the stadium once again.

“The club has a long history of supplying exciting young talent to the England age-grade set up with the likes of Zach Kibirige and Scott Wilson coming through that system. With Callum Chick eligible to be included, we hope to be able to see some of our own academy players on the field once again for this game.”

Bristol Sport Chief-Executive Andrew Billingham said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming England U20 to Ashton Gate and I’m sure the city of Bristol will turn out in numbers and show what fantastic hosts we can be.

“Ashton Gate is becoming the stadium of choice to stage international sport in the South West and we’re proud that we have been chosen once again on the back of hosting England Women in their Euro 2017 qualifier versus Bosnia later this month.”

England U20 Six Nations Fixtures (Home games live on Sky Sports):

v Scotland          
Friday 05 February (8pm)
Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow

v Italy
Friday 12 February (7.10pm)
Stadio Pacifici, San Dona’ Di Piave

v Ireland
Friday 26 February (6.05pm)
Kingston Park, Newcastle

v Wales
Friday 11 March (7.30pm)
Ashton Gate, Bristol

v France
Friday 18 March (6.45pm)
Stade du Hameau, Pau

England name U20 Elite Player Squad for 2016

England U20 have named their squad for the upcoming season which will see them defend their Six Nations title and compete in a home World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester.

The 32-man-group includes four players previously capped at this level. Jack Walker brings the experience of two World Championships while Josh Bainbridge and George Perkins were part of the squad who narrowly lost out to New Zealand in this year’s final. Joe Marchant was unfortunate to miss the tournament with injury having been part of the successful Six Nations campaign. 

Lewis Boyce, Harry Mallinder, Taylor Prell and Huw Taylor experienced the U20 environment last season and 12 players featured on the recent U18 tour to South Africa.

The U20 squad forms part of the Player Development Pathway and since its formation in 2007 – replacing the England U21 team – it has an impressive seven-year record.

In 80 matches played, the squad have won 63 and lost just 17. The U20s have won five Six Nations titles (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015) and reached six of the eight World Championship finals, lifting the trophy in 2013 and 2014. 

The development of players relies on strong relationships with the Regional Academies and the progression of talent continues beyond this squad through to the senior side. There have been 26 Under 20 graduates capped at Test level since 2008 with Exeter Chief Henry Slade among the most recent.

Ian Peel will lead the side as Head Coach having held the role of Forwards Coach.

Jon Callard, who filled the post on an interim basis last season, will support with the backs and player mentoring, allowing him to focus on developing the post 20 programme.

Peel said: “Naming a new squad each year is exciting and there are always different combinations and blends of where the players come from. We have the season to help them improve individually but also the challenge of bringing the talent together and putting it into strong team performances come the Six Nations and then into the World Championship.

“Selection is getting harder each year because we have more and more young players to choose from as a result of all the good work going on within the academies.  Their U18 league has had a positive effect with players regularly competing against tough opposition. The guys are nurtured well within their clubs getting good opportunities either on loan, in the A league or even in the first team.  We are then privileged to work with the top talent within this group.

“We are constantly assessing where players are at. The squad is reviewed at Christmas and we can make some changes. Players will have gone away and worked hard to push for a place. Equally those who have been named understand that they need to continue improving to keep their place and maximise their potential if they want to be putting their hands up for selection in the Six Nations. I believe we have a really strong group and if they work well together and perform well, they will have success, it is about being the best they can individually and as a team.”

England U20 Elite Player Squad 2016

Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Joshua Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Lewis Boyce (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
Max Malins (Saracens)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Joseph Marchant (Harlequins)
Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
George Nott (Sale Sharks)
Paolo Odogwu (Leicester Tigers)
George Perkins (Saracens)
Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
Will Safe (Gloucester Rugby)
Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
Samuel Smith (Worcester Warriors)
Stanley South (Harlequins)
William Stuart (Wasps)
Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
Oliver Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Walker (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Tom West (Wasps)
Archie White (Harlequins)
John Williams (London Irish)

For tickets and more information on the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester in June visit http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/u20champs

2016 World Rugby U20s schedule revealed

As the England senior team head to Manchester next week for the final pool game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the next generation of rugby stars will be looking ahead to the age grade equivalent that kicks off in the city next June.

Host union England will face Australia, Scotland and Italy in the pool stages of the competition, which was held in Italy in 2015.

England last met Australia in June 2014 when next year’s hosts came out on top thanks to four tries, two a-piece from Saracens duo Nathan Earles and Henry Taylor. The young English side have also recorded wins against Italy and Scotland in their last meetings, respectively.

Speaking about the competition, which will kick-off on Tuesday, June 7 at the AJ Bell Stadium, England U20s head coach Ian Peel said:

“When it comes to the U20 World Championship history doesn’t matter because it is a completely different squad each year. We’re just really excited that the current group will get to show what they are about against three tough teams. We will have played Scotland and Italy prior to the tournament in the Six Nations so will have an understanding of what they will bring and then with Australia, it is a great opportunity for these boys to play a southern hemisphere team, something we don’t get to do very often.

“We have recently had one of our first camps with the wider U20 group and there is real excitement seeing just how massive the Rugby World Cup is with record crowds at lots of venues. There has been huge support not just for England but all the teams and we hope that continues for the U20s in Manchester next year.”

Elsewhere, current title holders New Zealand will face Wales and Ireland in Pool A. The Baby Blacks secured the World Rugby U20 Championship title for the fifth time this season, beating England 21-14 in Italy over the summer.

“I would encourage all rugby fans, old and new, to support the next generation of players at the World Rugby U20s Championship next June in Manchester” said RFU Chief Executive Officer Ian Ritchie.

“As we’ve seen in the Rugby World Cup, rugby in this country is on the rise with more players, referees, coaches and supporters than ever before and the U20s Championship will only intensify that increase with yet more top class international sport on offer.

“We’ve seen the importance of the age grade programme on the senior men’s game; the U20s Championship offers a significant opportunity for the next Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Courtney Lawes and so on to make their mark on the world stage. I’m sure the country will get behind the players on home soil.”

Pool A

New Zealand
Wales
Ireland
Georgia

Pool B

England
Australia
Scotland
Italy

Pool C

South Africa
France
Argentina
Japan

Match day 1: Tuesday June 7

France v Argentina, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 3.15pm
Australia v Scotland, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 5.30pm
New Zealand v Georgia, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 7.45pm
South Africa v Japan, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 3.15pm
Wales v Ireland, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 5.30pm
England v Italy, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 7.45pm

Match day 2: Saturday June 11

Australia v Italy, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 1.30pm
France v Japan, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 3.45pm
South Africa v Argentina, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 6pm
New Zealand v Ireland, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 1.30pm
Wales v Georgia, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 3.45pm
England v Scotland, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 6pm

Match day 3: Wednesday June 15

Argentina v Japan, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 3.15pm
New Zealand v Wales, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 5.30pm
England v Argentina, AJ Bell Stadium. Kick-off 7.45pm
Scotland v Italy, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 3.15pm
Ireland v Georgia, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 5.30pm
South Africa v France, Academy Stadium. Kick-off 7.45pm

World Rugby U20 Championship – Manchester, June 2016. Where Heroes are made…

For tickets visit Ticketmaster and search U20 Championship. Tickets from £10 for adults, £5 for juniors. http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/36004F36B6E567C8

For more information visit http://www.worldrugby.org

Craig Philpott appointed Assistant Coach of New Zealand Under 20

Hawke’s Bay Head Coach Craig Philpott is the new Assistant Coach of New Zealand Under 20.

He replaces Counties Manukau Coach Tana Umaga, following his appointment as the Blues Head Coach.

The former Canterbury lock joins the coaching team headed by Canterbury Head Coach Scott Robertson who took New Zealand to the Under 20 Championship title in Italy in June.

“Craig will bring a massive amount of expertise with him to the coaching group,” said Robertson. “With his leadership and teaching skills and his ability to get the best out of young players, he will be a huge asset to our programme.”

Philpott will take up his role later this year to help prepare New Zealand Under 20 for the 2016 championship to be held in Manchester, England. The first camp of the 2016 campaign will be held in late November in Palmerston North.

Philpott said he was looking forward to the challenge of working with an important high performance team that plays a key role in building depth in the game in New Zealand.

“I have a passion for learning. In working with the coaching and management staff, we will constantly be challenging ourselves and the players to be ‘better than before’.

“As current world champions, it’s essential that we continue to raise the performance bar as other sides will certainly be doing so. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping New Zealand Under 20 keep evolving its approach so we can stay ahead of the competition.”

Background on Craig Philpott

Hawke’s Bay Magpies Head Coach 2012-present
Championship runners up 2013 and 2014

Ranfurly Shield winners in 2013 (1 defence) and 2014 (9 defences and current holders)

New Zealand Barbarians Assistant Coach 2015
Defeated Maori All Blacks

New Zealand Under 20 Position Specific Coach 2013/14

Player
Canterbury (1987-92, 96)
Nelson Bays (1997)
Toshiba (1992-96)