England men's U20 to play in returning World Rugby U20 Championship

England men’s U20 will compete in the World Rugby U20 Championship, which returns for the first time since 2019 following COVID-forced cancellations. 

The tournament features the world’s top twelve U20 nations with the 2023 edition to be played in Cape Town and the Western Cape, South Africa from 24 June-14 July.

While England took part in the U20 Summer Series in Italy last year, the return of the World Rugby U20 Championship heralds further opportunity to develop the country’s pathway players in another elite tournament. 

Alan Dickens’ side has been drawn in Pool B alongside Australia, Ireland and Fiji. The full match schedule can be found here.

England has featured in the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship a record nine times, winning the tournament on three occasions. 

The news comes ahead of the side’s Under-20 Six Nations campaign, which kicks off against Scotland at Twickenham Stoop in just eight days’ time on Friday, 3 February.

Speaking about the announcement, England men’s U20 head coach, Alan Dickens said: “This is the first time since 2019 that we’ll be able play against all the world’s best Under-20 nations and we’re looking forward to that competitive test. 

“Playing against top tier nations in a format similar to a Rugby World Cup across three weeks will provide a very valuable development experience for the players.

“Pulling on the England jersey is always an honour for these young men, and the World Rugby Under-20 Championship will be a particularly special highlight during their rugby journeys.

“While our attention is right now firmly focused on our Under-20 Six Nations opener against Scotland at the Stoop in eight days’ time, we’re also looking forward to getting out to South Africa and continuing to develop the squad.”