England announce U20 World Rugby Championship squad

Head Coach Martin Haaghas named his squad for the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championships to be held in Manchester from 7-25 June.

“This group will only play together for this tournament.  It will be a proud moment when they pull on the white jersey and run out in front of family and friends in a home World Cup,” said Haag.

20 out of the 28 players were called up for the recent Six Nations campaign while Harry Randall has been chosen from the England Under 18s. 12 Premiership clubs are represented as well as three players from Yorkshire Carnegie.

The squad will meet on 22 May for a week-long training camp.

“It’s about driving our own standards and our own identity and in that camp we need to set the tone for how we want to play,” he said. “When we go on that training park we will be short and sharp and play with high intensity.  We need to get the learning and education in so that we’re in good shape and also have the right environment heading into the tournament.”

The players will face five games in just under three weeks making fitness and well-timed recoveries top priorities.

“The format of the tournament means you can’t expect anyone to play 80 minutes of every single game,” he said. “We’ve picked a strong squad and we’re really looking forward to seeing all these guys in action.  Players will, of course, be picked on form but we will be managing workload and how we ensure mental and physical recovery between games.”

“We’ll prepare well over the coming weeks and analyse those teams and the focus will be on our workrate and putting in good performances.” he said.

England squad for World Rugby U20 Championship:
 
Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby)
Josh Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Lewis Boyce (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Theo Brophy-Clews (London Irish)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
Will Evans (Leicester Tigers)
Matt Gallagher (Saracens)
Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
Max Malins (Saracens)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
George Nott (Sale Sharks)
George Perkins (Saracens)
Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
Stan South (Harlequins)
Will Stuart (Wasps)
Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Walker (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Tom West (Wasps)
Johnny Williams (London Irish)
Jack Willis (Wasps)