Warriors’ hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas made his third appearance for England Under-20s but it came far too late to halt Ireland’s pursuit of a Six Nations Grand Slam at the StoneX Stadium.
Theobald-Thomas came on as a replacement with the clock in the red in time for a final scrum which Ireland won then booted the ball into touch to cement a 42-27 win.
England, who won a Six Nations Grand Slam last year, will end this year’s tournament against France in Perpignan on Sunday March 20, knowing that they can no longer retain their title.
Theobald-Thomas, who is in the Three Pears Warriors Academy, won his first cap at this level against Italy last month and scored his first try for England in the win over Wales at Doncaster two weeks ago when he started for the first time.