England U20 draw first blood on Calcutta Cup weekend

England U20 made it two wins from two in the 2026 U20 Six Nations with a 33-17 victory over Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, pulling clear in the final quarter of a hard-fought contest.

Andy Titterrell’s side struck early. After Lucas Friday split the line on seven minutes, a deft kick through allowed Finn Keylock to gather and score. Keylock could not add the extras, but England continued to apply pressure and were rewarded on 22 minutes when Jimmy Staples sniped from the base of a ruck to finish from close range, Keylock converting.

Scotland responded with authority. Hamish MacArthur drove over from short range on 28 minutes, and although he earlier missed a conversion, Rory McHaffie’s well-worked try on 33 minutes, converted by MacArthur, brought the hosts firmly back into it, locking up the scores 12-12.

England regained control before the interval. Reduced to 14 men after referee Ben Connor showed Seb Kelly a yellow card, they nevertheless struck through Connor Treacey from a pick and go on 37 minutes, with Keylock converting.

Scotland had the final word of the half, however, Jamie Stewart finishing from close range after MacArthur’s involvement in the build-up to narrow the gap to just two points going into the interval.

England responded decisively after the break. Slick handling released the in-form James Pater on 45 minutes, Keylock once again converting to steady the visitors.

A yellow card for Fin Ronnie didn’t help Scotland’s cause and England started to exert great control over proceedings. A flowing move on 72 minutes, sparked by winger Tyler Offiah, ended with Will Knight crossing, with Keylock’s conversion stretching the lead beyond two scores and effectively sealing the win.

Winger George Pearson continued to carry with intent late on as England closed out the contest professionally, and although Scotland pressed in patches, the English visitors’ composure ensured they left the Scottish capital with a 33-17 win.