England A faced Ireland A at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on February 23, 2025, showcasing the next generation of rugby talent from both nations. The match, which marked the return of this fixture since 2015, was less about the outcome and more about providing opportunities for players to impress selectors for future international honors.
Ireland's head coach Mike Prendergast expressed his excitement leading up to the clash, emphasizing, "I am hugely excited to work with such a talented group of players and coaches..." This sentiment reflected the optimism surrounding the young talents stepping onto the international stage.
Max Deegan captained the Irish side, supported by players with international caps, including Ciaran Frawley and Shane Daly. Meanwhile, England A was led by Jack van Poortvliet, complemented by experienced players such as Ollie Hassell-Collins and Charlie Atkinson. The match kicked off at 1 PM to enthusiastic spectators hoping to see thrilling rugby.
From the outset, the English side demonstrated their physicality and tactical prowess. England opened the scoring through Ollie Hassell-Collins, showcasing their backline's well-drilled coordination. They capitalized on their forward momentum to build pressure on the Irish defense, who struggled to maintain their shape amid the onslaught.
Despite being held up on the line twice early on, Ireland responded with grit. Shayne Bolton rounded off sustained pressure with a well-deserved try, briefly narrowing the gap as Irish fans erupted cheerfully. Yet, the joy was short-lived as England swiftly countered, with van Poortvliet scoring another try, contributing to their solid lead.
The match took its toll on Ireland as they faced significant injury setbacks. “Everyone is gunning for the same set-up, to be in the Ireland setup and play for Ireland...” Deegan remarked post-match, indicating the pressure on the younger players to perform under challenging conditions.
England extended their dominance throughout the second half, scoring through Greg Fisilau. The game reflected their depth and readiness for higher competition as they settled firmly on the offensive. Irish efforts to counter were hampered by the absence of key players due to injuries, leaving them overwhelmed and struggling to impact the game.
With the final whistle, the scoreboard read 28-12 favoring England. Coach Lee Blackett noted, "It’s been a pleasure to work with this talented and varied group..." highlighting the positive takeaway from the match. England had effectively showcased their rising stars, proving their capabilities on the international stage.
Reflecting on the match, Ireland's coaching team acknowledged the need for improvement with Prendergast pointing out the importance of perseverance, especially with upcoming tours on the horizon where many players aim for selection.
The reunion of these ‘A’ squads not only reinforces the competitive spirit of rugby but also serves as fertile ground for nurturing future talents. The ground at Bristol bore witness to new potential, laying foundations for the next generation of rugby. Despite Ireland A's struggles, the exposure for their players is invaluable, setting the stage for learning and growth.
The match ended on a high note for England, their performance sparking excitement about the depth and resilience of their squad, ready to step up as the international calendar grows tighter.