England U19s squad named to face France this Saturday includes Rugby League legend's son

04/17/2025 10:35 AM

Head coach Andy Titterrell has named a 26-player England U19 Men's squad to travel to La Roche-sur-Yon for a high-profile international against France this Saturday (19 April, 18:00 BST kick-off).

Following a thrilling 52-47 win over Japan U19s last month in Cambridge, England's age-grade side will now take on Les Bleuets at Stade Henri Desgrange in their second fixture of the 2025 U19 season.

The squad is once again supported by staff from the U20 Men's set-up, as the U19 programme continues to act as a crucial stepping stone for players progressing through the national development pathway.

Bath young gun Connor Treacey to Captain England U19s

Former U18 captain and Bath Rugby prospect Connor Treacey will skipper the side for the first time at U19 level. The dynamic No.8 recently earned three caps for the U20s during this year's Six Nations and now steps into a leadership role for the younger age group.

Treacey is one of three changes to the forward pack that overcame Japan, joined in the starting XV by George Knowles (Gloucester Rugby) and Sonny Tonga'uiha (Northampton Saints).

Treacey lines up in a back row familiar to age-grade rugby fans, alongside Patrick Hogg (Newcastle Falcons) and Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks)—a trio that started together during England U18's win over Georgia exactly a year ago.

Familiar Faces Return, Debuts Beckon for the U19s

There's plenty of talent returning to the backline too, including U20-capped Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs) and Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby), the son of rugby league legend Martin ‘Chariots’ Offiah. while Harlequins' Conor Byrne starts at full-back having represented the U19s previously.

Also involved is Noah Caluori (Saracens), who crossed for a hat-trick in the Japan victory and continues to build his growing reputation.

On the bench, Sean Sharp (Harlequins)—player of the match in March—adds X-factor among a replacement group that includes seven players potentially making their U19 debuts.

Titterrell: "A Perfect Test"

Looking ahead to the France fixture, Andy Titterrell emphasised the value of this international block for the development of future U20 stars:

"After a positive outing against Japan, we're excited to reassemble and further instil our playing philosophy with an impressive group of players.

"Our spring fixtures are a crucial window for exploration and adaptation in our ranks, with our squad already showcasing their impressive talents for club and country ahead of a busy summer period for the U20 age-grade.

"This Saturday is a perfect test for the group to come together and show that unity as a brotherhood in a challenging environment against a high calibre of pathway players."

England U19 Men's Starting XV vs France

15. Conor Byrne (Harlequins, Old Wimbledonians RFC)
14. Noah Caluori (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby)
13. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 4 U20 caps)
12. Rhys Beeckmans (Newcastle Falcons, Blaydon Rugby Club)
11. Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, 1 U20 cap)
10. Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield RUFC, 2 U20 caps)
9. Asa Stewart-Harris (Saracens, Old Albanians)

1. Oli Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 4 U20 caps)
2. George Knowles (Gloucester Rugby, Ledbury Rugby Club)
3. Sonny Tonga'uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC)
4. Luke Griffiths (CA Brive, Farnham Rugby Club)
5. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 4 U20 caps)
6. Patrick Hogg (Newcastle Falcons, Blaydon Rugby Club)
7. Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC)
8. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 3 U20 caps) – Captain

Replacements

16. Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club)
17. Josh Mann (Exeter Chiefs, Penzance and Newlyn RFC)
18. Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC)
19. Charlie Barker (Saracens, Canterbury Rugby Club)
20. Ethan Surrey (Bristol Bears, Barkers Butts RFC)
21. Olly Allport (Gloucester Rugby, Stow-on-the-Wold & District RFC)
22. Charlie Bemand (Leicester Tigers, Luctonians RFC)
23. James Linegar (Bath Rugby, Chippenham RFC)
24. Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks)
25. Sean Sharp (Harlequins, Old Alleynians RFC)
26. Kieran Hill (Bristol Bears, North Petherton RFC)

Upcoming England U19 Fixtures

• Saturday 22 March: England U19 52-47 Japan U19 – Ellgia Fields, Cambridge
• Saturday 19 April: France U19 vs England U19 – 18:00 BST, Stade Henri Desgrange
• Saturday 26 April: England U19 vs Scotland U19 – 14:00 BST, Percy Park RFC

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