Rhys Beeckmans and Patrick Hogg have been named in the starting lineup for England U19s as they prepare to face Japan U19s this Saturday at Cambridge Rugby's Ellgia Fields, with kick-off set for 14:00 GMT. The match is part of an exciting lineup for the England U19 Men's team, which has seen a number of talented young players selected to represent their country.
Beeckmans, who plays for Newcastle Falcons, will start at outside centre, while his teammate Hogg is chosen for the position of blindside flanker. This opportunity marks a significant moment in their rugby careers. Hogg, who has already distinguished himself on the field as the captain of the England U18s this year, has garnered multiple age-grade caps, providing him with valuable experience at a young age.
His selection for the U19 squad further emphasizes his growing reputation, which many predict will only increase as he continues to develop his skills. On the other hand, Beeckmans made his senior debut for Newcastle Falcons in the EPCR Challenge Cup, where he came off the bench in a challenging match against Ospreys, showing his readiness to compete at higher levels.
The England U19 Men's team is being led by Sale Sharks' Seb Kelly, who takes on the captaincy role. He is joined by a skilled group that includes Ollie Davies from Sale Sharks, who along with Northampton Saints' Oli Scola and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, participated actively in the recent U20 Men's Six Nations campaign.
This Saturday's match against Japan will also see potential debut appearances for several players. Sean Sharp of Harlequins, Hogg, Jack Cotgreave from Gloucester Rugby, and Luke Griffiths from CA Brive are set to earn their first Men's Pathway caps. Additionally, replacements such as Gabriel Registe from Saracens and Will Knight of Gloucester Rugby could also make their mark on the team.
Furthermore, Elliot Williams (Harlequins), George Marsh (Leicester Tigers), and James Pater (Northampton Saints) are on the reach, ready to contribute as finishers for Titterrell’s strategy in Cambridge.
Coach Andy Titterrell expressed his excitement about the match, stating, "We have assembled a very exciting, young group for Saturday's game that will give a platform to evolve players' skillsets ahead of another key period of development this summer." His comments reflect the dedication to nurturing the talents within the England rugby setup.
Titterrell continued, “To be joined by Jon [Pendlebury], Will [Parkin], and all our pathway staff has been a fulfilling experience, a brilliant opportunity to further align and a reminder of the quality we possess on and off the field in the pathway.” His enthusiastic remarks capture the spirit of teamwork and collaboration as they prepare for this competitive encounter.
Following the U20 Six Nations, Titterrell emphasized the importance of opening another window for progression and growth for the players. The anticipation for the game in Cambridge is palpable, and fans are encouraged to attend the event to witness rising stars in action.
Tickets for the match between England U19 Men and Japan U19 Men are available now, highlighting the commitment to making youth rugby accessible and encouraging participation from young fans and aspiring players alike.
As the players gear up for Saturday’s challenge, the England U19 Men’s team looks ahead to their next fixture, which will be against Scotland U19 on April 26, 2025, at 14:00 BST. This match continues to provide a developmental pathway for these promising talents aiming to make their names in rugby.
With their eyes set on both immediate performance against Japan and long-term development, the England U19 Men’s team embodies the future of English rugby.