Hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas became the latest Warriors player to win an England Under-20s cap when he came off the bench in the 6-0 defeat by Italy in the second match of this season’s Under-20s Six Nations in Treviso.
Theobald-Thomas was not included in England’s initial squad for the tournament but he was a travelling reserve against Scotland in Edinburgh last week and was promoted to the matchday squad in Treviso.
The 18-year-old came off the bench in the 74th minute and followed Fin Smith, Kai Owen, James Scott, Ted Hill and Ollie Lawrence in representing his country at this level in the last three years.
But Theobald-Thomas’ appearance came too late to save England from their first defeat in 14 meetings with Italy at this level, a result which ended their hopes of second Grand Slam.
England were frustrated by a determined Italy side who took the lead with an early penalty from Nicolo Teneggi then defended doggedly to ensure those were the only points in the first-half.
Teneggi doubled Italy’s lead early in the second period and England then missed an opportunity to reduce the deficit when Northampton Saints fly-half Jamie Benson struck a post with a penalty attempt soon after.
The same happened with a Teneggi penalty at the other end in the 63rd minute but England were unable to penetrate a determined Italian defence in the final 17 minutes.