Kenny brought into England U20s squad
By Mark Stevens
28/5/19
England men U20s head coach Steve Bates has updated the original 28-player squad ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina.
Bates’ side travel to Argentina on 30 May for the tournament ahead of their first pool game against Ireland on 4 June. They then take on Italy (8 June) and Australia (12 June) in Sante Fe.
Due to an existing injury, prop Marcus Street has been replaced by fellow Exeter Chief James Kenny. Hooker Samson Ma’asi (Northamton Saints) misses out on medical grounds and is replaced by Will Capon (Bristol Bears), while Marcus Smith (Harlequins), who is involved with England XV against the Barbarians this week, is replaced by Luke James (Sale Sharks).
The group includes seven players who have appeared in the tournament before with prop Joe Heyes, lock Joel Kpoku, backrow forwards Josh Basham, Ted Hill, Aaron Hinkley, Tom Willis and centre Fraser Dingwall all named in the squad.
“The U20 Championship gives them a chance to pit themselves against the best players in the world at their own age group in an international competition before heading into senior rugby, so is an important stage in their development,” said Bates.
“For a lot of these players it will be a unique experience to go to Argentina and play in a tournament of this stature and I know they will be relishing the challenge. They are very lucky to be representing England and will be looking to do their country proud and continue our successful history in the competition.”
England U20s are led by head coach Bates, who is assisted by Mark Hopley (forwards), James Scaysbrook (defence) and Richard Whiffin (attack) who join for the season as part of the coach development programme agreement with Premiership Rugby.
England squad for World Rugby U20 Championship
Olly Adkins (Gloucester Rugby)
Alfie Barbeary (Wasps)
Josh Basham (Newcastle Falcons)
Will Capon (Bristol Bears)
Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
Tom de Glanville (Bath Rugby)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)
Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks)
Nic Dolly (Sale Sharks)
Ollie Fox (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)
Aaron Hinkley (Gloucester Rugby)
Josh Hodge (Newcastle Falcons)
Luke James (Sale Sharks)
James Kenny (Exeter Chiefs)
Joel Kpoku (Saracens)
Sam Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
Kai Owen (Worcester Warriors)
Alfie Petch (Exeter Chiefs)
Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks)
Arron Reed (Sale Sharks)
Tom Seabrook (Gloucester Rugby)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)
Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)
Manu Vunipola (Saracens)
Tom Willis (Wasps)
England U20 fixtures
4 June: England U20s v Ireland U20s (KO 7.30pm BST), live on World Rugby platforms.
8 June: England U20s v Italy U20s (KO 7.30pm BST), live on World Rugby platforms.
12 June: England U20s v Australia U20s (KO 7.30pm BST), live on World Rugby platforms.
Knockout stages on Monday, 17 June and finals day on Saturday, 22 June, live on ITV.