Wales Under-20s pulled off a stunning victory against England Under-20s, winning 23-13 at Cardiff Arms Park on March 14, 2025, effectively dashing England's hopes for the Grand Slam title. This remarkable achievement marks Wales' first win over England at this level since 2020, putting them third for the first time since 2017.
The match started with great intensity as both sides looked to secure their standing, especially England, who were unbeaten until this clash and were chasing their first Grand Slam since 2021. England's hopes soared early on when prop Ralph McEachran scored the opening try, assisted by hooker Kepu Tuipulotu's brilliant one-handed offload, demonstrating England's initial dominance.
Despite conceding the first try, Wales fought back, with Harri Wilde and Ben Coen exchanging penalties to keep the score close. Just before half-time, Wales struck back. Steffan Emanuel caught Wilde's chip kick and raced through to equalize, sending the home support at Cardiff Arms Park—an impressive 8,124 fans—into jubilation. The teams went to the break tied at 13-13.
The second half saw Wales capitalize on their momentum as wing Harry Rees-Weldon scored acrobatically from the right corner after receiving an assist from Tom Bowen. With the conversion from Wilde successful, Wales took the lead, making it 20-13. This score instilled hope and confidence among the Welsh players and fans, who began to believe they would secure this long-awaited victory.
England struggled to respond effectively, with Wales' imposing defense led by skipper Harry Beddall and standout player of the match Thomas repeatedly thwarting their attempts to break through. England's momentum waned as they conceded two yellow cards within the final ten minutes; Jack Bracken was sin-binned for taking out Boshoff, leaving them short-handed.
Wales took full advantage of their momentary numerical superiority, forcing England to make errors and struggle with possession. England captain Tom Burrow, speaking post-match, expressed disappointment at their performance, stating, "We are hurting naturally. We have to take a long hard look at ourselves," acknowledging the disarray they faced against the resilient Welsh side.
Meanwhile, Welsh hooker Harry Thomas praised the electrifying home crowd, saying, "The crowd were like a 16th man. These fans were mental today. I cannot thank them enough." Thomas’ fierce defensive efforts, capped with 20 tackles, highlighted the dedication and unity of the Welsh team.
With the score fixed at 20-13 after Wilde’s penalty, another late foray by England concluded with Junior Kpoku’s penalty for indiscretion near Wales' line, marking another frustrating moment for the visitors. Skirmishes erupted on the field, showing the contentious nature of the match as players competed fiercely for ball retention and territory.
Wales not only secured bragging rights but also showcased their significant growth throughout the tournament, finishing with important victories over Italy, Ireland, and now England. Rich Whiffin, the head coach for Wales, remarked post-game, "We showed what we can do when we click. Our discipline was key—when we clicked, we showed what we can do." This match not only solidifies their position but also boosts their confidence heading toward forthcoming fixtures.
England had begun the tournament strongly, winning all previous matches against Ireland, France, Scotland, and Italy, but the defeat forces them to reflect on their strategy as they prepare for the upcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship this summer. Their captain, Burrow, remarked, "We will stick together as we are a tight-knit brotherhood," highlighting the sense of team spirit they aim to preserve heading forward.
Wales' victory is not only historic but also significant for the development of rugby at this level, representing the fierce rivalry between England and Wales which promises exciting future encounters. With newfound momentum, they look to build on this achievement, offering hope and excitement for their supporters and players alike.