England U20s Confirm Fixture Against Cambridge ahead of 2025 U20 Six Nations
10/09/2024 05:33 AM
Mark Mapletoft's England U20 Men will take on Championship club Cambridge Rugby next January, in preparation for their 2025 U20 Six Nations campaign. The world champion U20 Men travel to Ellgia Fields on Saturday 11th January to face Richie Williams' side, kicking-off at 14:00 GMT.
Head coach Mapletoft and assistant coach Andy Titterrell recently named their 50-strong Elite Player Squad (EPS) in September with 12 previously capped U20 players included. The recent Men's Professional Game Partnership established the expanded EPS to enable greater playing opportunities in the international arena for those in the 'Confirmation' phase of the pathway development system.
Cambridge, who were promoted to the second tier ahead of the 2023/24 season, currently sit 11th in the Championship after an opening day, 26-21 victory away at Caldy.
One time England U20 Counties head coach and current Director of Rugby Richie Williams boasts a squad with six previously capped Men's Pathway players, including Jack Bartlett, Matty Jones, Zach Nearchou, Billy Walker, Louis Grimoldby and Josh Skelcey. Williams led his U20 Counties side against Georgia U20s at the Blood and Sand's home ground back in 2014.
Tickets for the U20 Men's clash with Cambridge are available to purchase here. Further information regarding future U20 Men fixtures will be communicated in due course.
Andy Titterrell said: "We're thankful to Richie and his team for welcoming us to Cambridge for what will be our season curtain-raiser this January. With some regional camps pencilled in this side of Christmas, this match will now present the chance for some players' first runouts in an U20 jersey.
"Our extended EPS (England Player Squad) this year offers up playing opportunities for a greater number of players and this fixture is an exciting occasion for our squad members to stake their claim ahead of a major tournament.
"With many of our squad members set to earn valuable minutes in the Championship this season, facing Cambridge away from home will ensure a very valuable test for our boys and is an occasion the pathway staff and I eagerly anticipate."
England U20 Men's 2025 fixtures
Cambridge Rugby vs. England U20 Men – Saturday 11th January – 14:00 GMT kick-off – Ellgia Fields
U20 Men's 2025 Six Nations Round 1 – Ireland vs. England – Thursday 30th January – 19:45 GMT kick-off – Venue TBC
U20 Men's 2025 Six Nations Round 2 – England vs. France – Friday 7th February – 20:00 GMT kick-off – Venue TBC
U20 Men's 2025 Six Nations Round 3 – England vs. Scotland – Friday 21st February – 19:15 GMT kick-off – Venue TBC
U20 Men's 2025 Six Nations Round 4 – England vs. Italy – Friday 7th March – 19:45 GMT kick-off – Venue TBC
U20 Men's 2025 Six Nations Round 5 – Wales vs. England – Friday 14th March – 19:30 GMT kick-off – Venue TBC
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