Relton starts for Under-20s against Wales

By Mark Stevens
6/7/21

Exeter Chiefs winger Arthur Relton starts again for England Under-20s in their side to play Wales on Wednesday in the fourth round of the U20 Six Nations (KO 8pm).

The Cornishman has started in all three of England's opening three games, scoring tries in the wins against France and Scotland.

There are, however, three changes to the starting line-up from England’s bonus point, 24-15 win against Ireland last week.

Orlando Bailey returns at full-back, while Tom Roebuck makes his first start of the 2021 Six Nations on the wing. In the pack, Fin Baxter is set to win his first U20 cap from loosehead. Jack van Poortvliet again captains the side from scrum half.

There are also two changes among the replacements with Lewis Holsey and Deago Bailey returning to the match day 26.

Dickens said: “Last week we had a hugely physical match and so we’ve made sure we’ve recovered well since then. I was really pleased with the character and effort from the team and seeing another improvement in our performance. I’m looking for the players to build on that again heading into this game.

“We know Wales v England is always a special match in the Six Nations and we are expecting another strong challenge on Wednesday from a team on home turf. I’ve made a few more changes to our starting line up which is reflective of the competition for places among the squad.

“Tom Roebuck made a very positive impact from the bench against Ireland so I want to see what he can do starting the game. I’ve also been impressed with Fin Baxter who has been training with us this past week and it will be great to see him win his first U20’s cap on Wednesday night.

“The hard work and the effort the players have put in so far through this Six Nations competition and during the season as a whole has been outstanding. We will continue to push that in this game and can’t wait to get back out on pitch again.”

Teams are permitted to name a squad of 26 players for each fixture in this year’s competition due to Covid-19 regulations. Eight of the 11 replacements named in a squad can be used during the match.

ENGLAND UNDER-20s SIDE TO FACE WALES UNDER-20s

15 Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby)
14 Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
13 Jack Bates (Bristol Bears)
12 Dan Lancaster (Leeds Tykes)
11 Arthur Relton (Exeter Chiefs)
10 Fin Smith (Worcester Warriors)
9 Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, capt)
1 Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
2 Sam Riley (Harlequins)
3 Harvey Kindell-Beaton (Saracens)
4 Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby)
5 Alex Groves (Bristol Bears)
6 Ewan Richards (Bath Rugby)
7 Jack Clement (Gloucester Rugby)
8 Nahum Merigan (Bath Rugby)

Replacements

16 Archie Vanes (Leicester Tigers)
17 Lewis Holsey (Worcester Warriors).
18 Luke Green (London Irish)
19 Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby)
20 Josh Gray (Gloucester Rugby)
21 Ollie Stonham (Saracens)
22 Tom Carr-Smith (Bath Rugby)
23 Tommy Mathews (Hartpury University RFC)
24 Phil Cokanasiga (London Irish)
25 Deago Bailey (Bristol Bears)
26 Charlie Atkinson (Wasps)