England U20s opened the defence of their RBS Six Nations crown with a 17-0 victory over Italy U20s at freezing Sixways Stadium on Friday night.
The international fixture was played behind closed doors due to public safety and the ground staff worked tirelessly throughout the day to make the pitch playable after morning snow.
In difficult conditions under foot the home side enjoyed first half dominance and opened the scoring through Gloucester centre Henry Trinder at the mid-point of the first half.
Just before the break Trinder released centre partner Luke Eves and the Bristol back raced in with Newcastle’s Rory Clegg adding the conversion.
Harlequins Seb Stegmann showed his strength and pace with a third England try just after the break to complete the scoring.