Three Warriors to start for England Under 20s in France

Three Warriors have been named in the England Under 20s squad for their final RBS 6 Nations match with France this Friday at the Stade du Hameau, Pau (kick off 5.45pm GMT).

Andrew Kitchener and Huw Taylor keep their starting berths in the second row along with Jack Singleton at hooker, but flanker Sam Ripper-Smith is ruled out with injury.

Results have been disappointing for England but the games have provided a valuable learning and development opportunity for an extended group of players ahead of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Manchester later this year.

England Under 20 Head Coach Jon Callard said: “The changes to the starting XV and the bench allow us to look at various options and combinations with the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in mind.

“France is always a tough but enjoyable challenge. They love their rugby over there, the supporters come out in force and it is a great atmosphere.  

“The Championship has not gone as we wanted but we are excited about the chance of playing another international and have the attitude, energy and desire to finish on a high.”

France Under 20s have not lost at home in the tournament since Wales visited Clermont-Ferrand in 2013.  The last six meetings between England and France have been equally shared with three wins apiece, but the last time England Under 20s won in France was in the 6 Nations in 2010.

England Under 20 squad to play France:
15. Max Malins (Saracens)
14. George Perkins (Saracens)
13. Dom Morris (Saracens)
12. George Worth (Leicester Tigers) 
11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
10. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)
1. Lewis Boyce  (Yorkshire Carnegie)
2. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
5. Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)

6. George Nott (Sale Sharks)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons) (C)

Replacements
16. Curtis Langdon (London Irish)
17. Tom West (Wasps)
18.  Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
19. Alex Moon (Northampton Saints) 
20. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
21. Cameron Cowell (England Sevens)
22. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
23. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)


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