Plowman on Bench to Face Italy Women U20

Exeter Chiefs Women's forward Lily Plowman has again been named in the England Women U20's matchday squad.

England head coach LJ Lewis has named her side to face Italy on Matchday 2 of the 2025 Six Nations Summer Series.

Following on from an opening 31-17 victory over Scotland, England continue their campaign at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence in Caerphilly this Friday (13:00 BST). All Summer Series fixtures will be streamed live on the Six Nations U20 YouTube channel.

Loughborough Lightning’s Lucy Calladine leads as captain for the first time in a capped fixture this weekend after a second season of involvement with Lightning in Premiership Women’s Rugby, as well as Loughborough University in BUCS National League.

Sale Sharks winger Sophie Hopkins retains her place on the right wing in an otherwise all changed lineup for Lewis’ side, with clubmate and debutant Eva Wood partnering Hopkins in the back three.

Wood is one of six players to earn their first U20 caps for England this Friday, alongside Loughborough Lightning’s Keevy Fitzpatrick and Haineala Lutui, Lucie Sams (Sale Sharks) and Harlequins duo Zara Green and Sarah Parry.

Gloucester-Hartpury half-back Daisy Aspinall has been called into the squad and could also earn her first appearance at U20 level if introduced from the replacements bench.

In line with Six Nations regulations, management have also included U23 players Grace Clifford (Loughborough Lightning), Chloe Flanagan (Saracens), Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning), Molly Luthayi and Eva Wood (Sale Sharks) to maximise playing opportunities for a wider player pool within the pathway.

England’s Summer Series concludes against France next Thursday (17th, 18:00 BST kick-off).

LJ Lewis said: “Our performance against Scotland ended in a pleasing result yet left us with areas to refine as we continue our challenging schedule.

“Our players showcased winning moments throughout Saturday’s fixture, exploiting space with speed and earning an impressive result to kickstart our journey over the next two weeks.

“This week, we want to speed up our connectivity and transitional skills with a refreshed side against another stern test in Italy.”

England U20 Women

15 Eva Wood (Sale Sharks, Old Halesonians RFC, uncapped)

14 Sophie Hopkins (Sale Sharks, Fullerians RFC, 5 caps)

13 Sarah Parry (Harlequins, Newtown Rugby Club, uncapped)

12 Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 5 caps)

11 Millie David (Bristol Bears, Reading RFC, 6 caps)

10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 5 caps)

9 Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 1 cap)

1 Chloe Flanagan (Saracens, Ampthill RUFC, 8 caps)

2 Lucy Calladine (c) (Loughborough Lightning, Burton Rugby Football Club, 7 caps)

3 Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, uncapped)

4 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 1 cap)

5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, uncapped)

6 Lucie Sams (Sale Sharks, Kingsbridge RFC, uncapped)

7 Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 1 cap)

8 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, Worcester RFC, uncapped)

Replacements

16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 1 cap)

17 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 8 caps)

18 Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 1 cap)

19 Tyla Shirley (Harlequins, Hove RFC, 6 caps)

20 Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, 1 cap)

21 Daisy Aspinall (Gloucester-Hartpury, Stafford RFC, uncapped)

22 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 1 cap)

23 Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning, Winscombe RFC, 7 caps)