Racing 92 star picked in England team to play Ireland this weekend
01/27/2025 04:42 PM
England U20 head coach Mark Mapletoft has named a dynamic squad to take on Ireland in their Six Nations opener at Virgin Media Park on Friday evening, with Sale Sharks debutant Tom Burrow captaining the side.
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Among the headline selections is Jack Bracken, son of England legend Kyran Bracken, who starts on the wing as one of the young stars hoping to make an early impact in this year's championship.
Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock, who was recently called up to the England senior squad ahead of the Six Nations, also features in the starting XV.
The team sees an exciting blend of new talent and returning players, with six debutants eager to impress in the tournament opener: Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers), Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs), Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks), Charlie Griffin and Kepu Tuipulotu (both Bath Rugby), and skipper Burrow.
Mark Mapletoft's vision
Speaking ahead of the match, Mapletoft emphasised the team's ambition and determination to make a strong start to the competition.
"As a team, we want to take a relentless approach from minute one and make our mark on the Six Nations once again this year,” said Mapletoft.
"Coming into the tournament as previous winners is a privilege, but the highest level of expectation will come from the players themselves who want to play with freedom and uphold our principles of speed, attachment, and space.
"The squad have been working diligently to match our demands of them and are ready for a tough opening challenge in Ireland. We've had some exciting matchups in recent times, and we know we'll have another testing game against Neil's side this week."
Debutants and key players
The England U20 side is packed with emerging talent, with Tom Burrow leading the team as captain on debut. Jack Kinder will start at full-back, while the highly-touted Nic Allison slots in at inside centre. In the forwards, Ralph McEachran and Kepu Tuipulotu will add power and skill to the front row, alongside Bath Rugby teammate Vilikesa Sela.
In the back row, Henry Pollock's inclusion adds a touch of senior-level experience to the team, while Junior Kpoku, younger brother of England and Racing 92 lock Joel Kpoku, will bring physicality on the blindside flank.
His selection is notable as he currently plays his rugby in the Top 14 for Racing 92, which would prevent him from playing for the senior side.
Exeter Chiefs' Kane James rounds off the pack at No. 8.
Kick-off details
The match kicks off at 7:45pm at Virgin Media Park and promises to be a thrilling clash as England look to start their campaign with a victory against a tough Irish side.
England U20 Six Nations team to face Ireland
Starting XV:
15. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens)
13. Angus Hall (Saracens)
12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs)
11. Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby)
10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs)
9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints)
1. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby)
3. Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens)
5. Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks)
6. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92)
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
8 .Kane James (Exeter Chiefs)
Replacements:
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs)
17. Oli Scola (Northampton Saints)
18. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks)
19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints)
20. George Timmins (Bath Rugby)
21. Lucas Friday (Harlequins)
22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins)
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