England U20 announce exciting 28-man squad for Rugby Championship

England have announced a talented 28-man squad for this years U20 Rugby Championship in France next week. Several experienced players have been drafted in to support a number of exciting young talents, most notably Premiership Young Player of the Year, Marcus Smith. England will be hoping to continue their run of five consecutive final appearances, but with such a strong squad they will hope to go one better than last year, when they lost to New Zealand in the final.

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has had a breakthrough year and has laid claim to the starting fly-half shirt at the Stoop. The 19-year-old is likely make his first start for England U20 at the tournament, linking up with the squad for the first time since last years U20 Six Nations. He will be a key playmaker in unlocking a dangerous England backline, with the likes of Harlequins teammate Gabriel Ibitoye and London Irish winger Ben Loader.

The squad will be buoyed by the return of experienced campaigners Ben Curry & Ciaran Knight. Loosehead prop Ciaran Knight is one of six players that took part in the final loss in Georgia last year that are in the squad for this year. His experience will be key in supporting players who will be making their first appearances at a Rugby Championship. England will be delighted to have back-row Ben Curry joining the squad after his success, alongside twin brother Tom Curry, at Sale Sharks. His tenacious tackling and breakdown work will create a real threat for England, even without the ball.

                England have made a number of call-ups since the disappointing loss at the hands of the Junior Springboks at the start of May at Sixways. One player who has kept his spot is Saracens lock Joel Kpoku. Having flown under the radar in the England set-up for some time, Kpoku has impressed for Saracens Storm this season and now has the chance to shine for England. His abrasive nature, similar to his club counterpart Maro Itoje, will help England’s physicality, something which was lacking against the Junior Boks.

                England will open their campaign on Wednesday 30^th May, where they’ll play Argentina in Narbonne. They will then face familiar opponents in the final two pool games against Italy (3^rd June) and Scotland (7^th June), before moving into the semi-finals and finals. With such a talented squad and real strength in depth available England will be hoping to add a fourth Championship to their collection.

England U20 Squad

Backs

Rory Brand, Will Butler, Ali Crossdale, Fraser Dingwall, James Grayson, Tom Hardwick, Gabriel Ibitoye, Ben Loader, Jordan Olowofela, Tom Parton, Marcus Smith, Ben White

Forwards

Josh Basham, Ben Curry, Beck Cutting, Joe Heyes, Ted Hill, Aaron Hinkley, Ciaran Knight, Joel Kpoku, Sam Lewis, Gabriel Oghre, Ehren Painter, James Scott, Alex Seville, Toby Trinder, Henry Walker, Tom Willis