Ben Coen returns as England U20s change four for Grand Slam game

England U20s have made four changes to their starting XV for Friday night’s Six Nations title-deciding fixture away to Wales.

Three points clear of France at the top of the table, Mark Mapletoft’s squad are on the cusp of age-grade Grand Slam glory for the first time since 2021 following last weekend’s nip-and-tuck, 33-24 success over Italy at Bath.

Victory over the Welsh would secure them back-to-back Six Nations titles and they will take on that Cardiff Arms Park challenge with a team containing two front row changes and two more in their backline.

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Used off the bench at The Rec last Friday, loosehead Ralph McEachran and hooker Kepu Tuipulotu now rotate places with Ollie Scola and Louie Gulley in an otherwise unchanged starting pack.

In the backs, Jack Kinder, who was England’s 23rd man in round four, will start on the left wing in place of the excluded Campbell Ridl while returning out-half Ben Coen, a starter in last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship final win over France in Cape Town, has pushed Josh Bellamy down to the bench.

Fixture

U20 Six Nations

Wales U20

23 - 13

Full-time

England U20

All Stats and Data

Aiden Ainsworth-Cave and Nick Lilley are reintroduced as replacements, with subs Oscar Beckerleg and Ollie Davies absent on this occasion.

In an RFU team selection statement, Mapletoft said: “We are grateful for the efforts of those involved within the pathway that have been essential in contributing to our strong standing heading into Friday’s game.

“Our players have taken the opportunities presented to them, overcoming difficult tests week-on-week, and have impressed as a ‘brotherhood’.

“The team have been on a journey over the past two months, and the progression has been very pleasing. That said, there is so much to play for and our squad have prepared diligently to amplify their strengths and take that final step forwards in Cardiff, whatever it takes.

“The staff and I want the players to give their all and exceed the expectations of the occasion that lies ahead of us this week.”

England U20s (vs Wales, Friday)
15. George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 2 caps)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 9 caps)
13. Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 10 caps)
12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, 3 caps)
11. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, 3 caps)
10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 8 caps)
9. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport RFC, 2 caps)
1. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 4 caps)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 4 caps)
3. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 4 caps)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 15 caps)
5. Tom Burrow (capt) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 4 caps)
6. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 14 caps)
7. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 6 caps)
8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 13 caps)

Replacements:
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 4 caps)
17. Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 4 caps)
18. Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, Birmingham Moseley RFC, 1 cap)
19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 3 caps)
20. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 2 caps)
21. Joe Davis (Newcastle Falcons, Bishop Auckland RUFC, 1 cap)
22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 14 caps)
23. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 3 caps)