The England U20 rugby team is set to kick off their 2025 Six Nations campaign with much anticipation as they prepare to face Ireland at Virgin Media Park, Cork, on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Mapletoft, the squad showcases both seasoned players and new talent, eager to make their mark on the tournament.
Among the notable selections is Jack Kinder, the Leicester Tigers academy outside back, who will be playing at fullback. This match marks his competitive U20 international debut, having previously made his senior debut for the Tigers earlier this season. The anticipation surrounding Kinder is palpable as fans look forward to seeing how he performs on this significant stage.
Accompanying Kinder is the newly appointed captain of the U20 squad, Tom Burrow, who plays lock for the Sale Sharks. Burrow, aged 19, is making his first competitive start for the U20s after previously leading the team during an uncapped match last year. His leadership is expected to inspire both seasoned and younger players as they aim for victory against their rivals.
The England U20 team features six uncapped players on the starting lineup, reflecting Mapletoft's decision to blend experience with fresh talent, nurturing the next generation of rugby stars. Reinforcements on the bench include tighthead prop Tye Raymont, who, after playing 55 minutes against Bath recently, adds depth to England's strategy.
Mapletoft expressed his expectations of the team, saying, "Coming to the tournament as previous winners is a privilege, but the highest level of expectation will come from the players themselves who want to play with freedom and uphold our principles of speed, attachment and space." His focus on maintaining those core principles indicates England's commitment to playing not just skillfully, but also with exciting dynamism.
The upcoming match is particularly important as England aims to defend their title, having emerged victorious last year. Their previous encounter with Ireland resulted in a thrilling 31-20 win, providing added motivation for the squad. That victory, coupled with the remnants of a 32-all tie from the prior year’s Six Nations, leaves both teams with something to prove.
Fans can follow the action live; the match will be streamed on BBC iPlayer, showcasing what promises to be another chapter of intense rivalry between these two historic rugby nations. It’s certainly not just another game; it’s the beginning of their quest for Six Nations glory.
This year's squad also features some recent talent joins, such as Henry Pollock, who had been training with Steve Borthwick’s senior squad. Pollock is set to join forces with last year’s U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship victors Junior Kpoku and Kane James, rounding out what looks to be a formidable back row for the opening match.
With each match, these young athletes are not only showcasing their skills but also laying the foundation for what could be their future careers at higher levels of rugby. The match against Ireland will be the starting point of their Six Nations campaign, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Coinciding with the excitement around the fixtures, tickets to watch the reigning U20 Six Nations and world champions live are available for fans eager to cheer on their team.
The first whistle will mark the beginning of this thrilling battle, and the young players from both teams will undoubtedly give their all on the field. England U20 will look to set the tone for the rest of the tournament with their aggressive playing style and determination to uphold their champions' standard. Fans will be watching closely, tuned to their screens, hoping to witness England rise to the occasion once more.