England u20 team to play Ireland
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Head coach Andy Titterrell has selected the England U20 Men’s squad to face Ireland on Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.
England open their tournament against their Six Nations counterparts at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi this Saturday (27th, 12:30 BST kick-off). The Pool C clash will be available to watch live on RugbyPass TV and Premier Sports.
Bath Rugby number eight Connor Treacey leads his country for the first time at a Junior World Championship fixture this weekend, securing his 13th cap for the pathway side.
Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints) and Saracens pair Zac Finch and Alan Poku are awarded their first caps and full U20 debuts under
Harlequins’ Jimmy Staples, Elliot Williams and Tate Williams, alongside James Pater (Northampton Saints) and Sam Winters (Bath Rugby), are set for their first Junior World Championship appearances.
If utilised from the replacements bench, former England U18 Men’s captain Jack Lewis could earn his maiden U20 cap. The Northampton Saints back-row forward forms part of a bench that are all in line for their first Junior World Championship appearances.
England U20 Men continue their Junior World Championship campaign against USA on Thursday 2nd July (15:00 BST kick-off) at Avchala Stadium. All England fixtures will be broadcast live on RugbyPass TV in the UK.
Ahead of the Junior World Championship opener, Andy Titterrell said: “This fixture marks an important step in our ongoing development as a squad, and it’s brilliant to see players take ownership of their roles with real energy and intent as we begin the Junior World Championship.
“We’re committed to providing the right level of support to help this group grow, continue building strong connections on and off the field, and most importantly, ensuring they enjoy the experience while representing England.
“Congratulations to our debutants, who have earned their opportunity. We look forward to Saturday being a key continuation of the squad’s journey together and a chance to showcase their hard work.”
England U20 Men’s squad to face Ireland (includes current club, community club and previous U20 caps)
15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, 5 caps)
14 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, uncapped)
13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 13 caps)
12 Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 9 caps)
11 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 1 cap)
10 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
9 Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 13 caps)
1 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
2 Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club, 5 caps)
3 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 6 caps)
4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 5 caps)
5 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 14 caps)
6 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 3 caps)
7 Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC, 7 caps)
8 Connor Treacey (c) (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 12 caps)
Replacements
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 2 caps)
17 Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 5 caps)
18 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 5 caps)
19 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 3 caps)
20 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, uncapped)
21 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, 1 cap)
22 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 4 caps)
23 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 8 caps)
