England A team to face All Blacks XV in Bath

November 05, 2025
1334
Ultimate Rugby

Head coach Mark Mapletoft has named the England A team to face All Blacks XV at the Recreation Ground, Bath on Saturday 8 November (KO 13:15, live on Premier Sports 1).

Ethan Roots will now lead the England A this weekend following Joe Batley and his partner welcoming their second child. Batley will link up with the team on Thursday in preparation for the fixture.

Bath Rugby centre Max Ojomoh has been awarded the vice-captaincy role whilst representing his country at his club’s home stadium. Tom Lockett (Northampton Saints) will start with Batley in the second-row.

There is potential first England A involvements for replacements Fitz Harding, Kepu Tuipulotu, Vilikesa Sela, Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Adam Radwan.

The selection of the wider squad and match day 23 is a cooperative approach made in consultation with head coach Mark Mapletoft and determined by senior men’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, and RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O’Shea.

“Everyone’s buy-in this week has been second-to-none, squad and staff have been adaptable and prepared excellently in our unique turnaround. Building togetherness has been key, and I believe we have achieved that," said Mapletoft.

“Our aim is to create an environment where players can learn to win and increase that window for development, and this All Blacks XV side will test our players in a high-pressure international arena.

“This fixture is a challenge for our team but in equal measure, a prime opportunity for everyone to push on for senior honours. We want them to step up and take their shot this Saturday.”