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England forced into 3 late squad changes for World Rugby U20 Championship


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With just a week to go before England U20s begin their World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina head coach Steve Bates has been forced to make three late changes from his original 28-player squad ahead of the tournament.

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Bates’ side travel to Argentina on 30 May ahead of their first pool game against Ireland on 4 June. They then take on Italy (8 June) and Australia (12 June) in Sante Fe.

Due to an existing injury, prop Marcus Street has been replaced by fellow Exeter Chief James Kenny.

Hooker Samson Ma’asi (Northamton Saints) misses out on medical grounds and is replaced by Will Capon (Bristol Bears).

And Marcus Smith (Harlequins), who is involved with England XV against the Barbarians this week, is replaced by Luke James (Sale Sharks).

The group includes seven players who have appeared in the tournament before with prop Joe Heyes, lock Joel Kpoku, backrow forwards Josh Basham, Ted Hill, Aaron Hinkley, Tom Willis and centre Fraser Dingwall all named in the squad.

“The U20 Championship gives them a chance to pit themselves against the best players in the world at their own age group in an international competition before heading into senior rugby, so is an important stage in their development,” said Bates.

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“For a lot of these players it will be a unique experience to go to Argentina and play in a tournament of this stature and I know they will be relishing the challenge. They are very lucky to be representing England and will be looking to do their country proud and continue our successful history in the competition.”

England U20s are led by head coach Bates, who is assisted by Mark Hopley (forwards), James Scaysbrook (defence) and Richard Whiffin (attack) who join for the season as part of the coach development programme agreement with Premiership Rugby.

England were finalists in the tournament last year, losing 33-25 to hosts France. There were also losing finalists in 2017, but won the tournament in 2016 as hosts, beating Ireland in the final.

England squad for World Rugby U20 Championship:
Olly Adkins (Gloucester Rugby)
Alfie Barbeary (Wasps) – Bloxham School
Josh Basham (Newcastle Falcons)
Will Capon (Bristol Bears)
Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
Tom de Glanville (Bath Rugby)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)
Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks)
Nic Dolly (Sale Sharks)
Ollie Fox (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)
Aaron Hinkley (Gloucester Rugby)
Josh Hodge (Newcastle Falcons)
Luke James (Sale Sharks)
James Kenny (Exeter Chiefs)
Joel Kpoku (Saracens)
Sam Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
Kai Owen (Worcester Warriors)
Alfie Petch (Exeter Chiefs)
Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks)
Arron Reed (Sale Sharks)
Tom Seabrook (Gloucester Rugby)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)
Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)
Manu Vunipola (Saracens)
Tom Willis (Wasps)

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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