England u20 team to play USA

Head coach Andy Titterrell has selected the England U20 Men’s matchday squad to face USA in the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.   
 

Following a 34-27 Matchday 1 victory over Ireland, England return to action to face USA for only the second-ever meeting at the Junior World Championship. The Pool C encounter takes place at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi this Thursday (2nd, 15:00 BST kick-off) and will be available to watch live on RugbyPass TV and Premier Sports.    

Sale Sharks back-row forward Seb Kelly captains the U20 Men for the first time on his ninth cap for the side. Kelly, who made five U20 appearances in the recent Six Nations, also made his senior Gallagher PREM debut for Sharks this campaign whilst spending time on loan with Sale FC and Caldy. 

Finlay Cunnison (Harlequins) is awarded his first U20 cap and partners Nick Lilley in midfield. Cunnison is one of five changes to the backline with George Pearson, George Newman, Tyler Offiah and Finn Keylock named in the starting XV. 

With Titterrell refreshing the pack, Jerold Gorleku, Freddie Ogden-Metherell and George Marsh will make their first Junior World Championship starts this week. 

Jonny Weimann is reintegrated into the matchday squad as a replacement and if utilised from the bench, Kealan Freeman-Price could make his maiden Junior World Championship appearance.  

England U20 Men continue their Junior World Championship campaign against Argentina on Tuesday 7th July (12:30 BST kick-off) at Avchala Stadium. All England fixtures will be broadcast live on RugbyPass TV in the UK. 

Speaking ahead of Matchday 2, assistant coach Kevin Sorrell said: “We’re pleased with the opener against Ireland, and this week we’ve challenged players to level up with greater decisiveness and energy in everything we do.  

“The work behind-the-scenes from staff and players alike has been excellent, particularly in a short turnaround. The players understand that standards must continue to rise for a different challenge against USA.  

“Congratulations to Seb Kelly on captaining the U20s for the first time – it’s a well-earned opportunity and I’m sure he’ll lead with real pride.” 

England U20 Men’s squad to face USA (includes current club, community club and previous U20 caps) 

15 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 9 caps) 

14 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, 1 cap) 

13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 14 caps) 

12 Finlay Cunnison (Harlequins, Chobham RFC, uncapped) 

11 Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, 7 caps) 

10 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 4 caps) 

9 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, 1 cap) 

1 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 14 caps) 

2 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 2 caps) 

3 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 6 caps) 

4 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 4 caps) 

5 Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, 3 caps) 

6 Seb Kelly (C) (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC, 8 caps) 

7 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, 1 cap) 

8 George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, 5 caps) 

Replacements 

16 Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby, Drybrook RFC, 2 caps) 

17 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, 1 cap) 

18 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 7 caps) 

19 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 6 caps) 

20 Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 13 caps) 

21 Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, Royston Rugby Club, 8 caps) 

22 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 1 cap) 

23 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 2 caps) 

England U20 Men’s 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship fixtures and results 

(Warm-up friendly) Leicester Tigers U23 38-54 England U20 Men – Friday 5th June, 19:30 BST – Mattioli Woods Welford Road 

(Warm-up friendly) Italy U20 Men 24-19 England U20 Men – Friday 12th June, 17:30 BST – Stadio San Michele, Calvisano 

England 34-27 Ireland – Saturday 27th June, 12:30 BST kick-off – Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi 

England vs. USA – Thursday 2nd July, 15:00 BST kick-off – Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi 

Argentina vs. England – Tuesday 7th July, 12:30 BST kick-off – Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi 

Matchday 4 – Sunday 12th July & Monday 13th July – AIA Arena, Kutaisi or Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi 

Matchday 5 – Friday 17th July & Saturday 18th July – AIA Arena, Kutaisi, Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi or Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi