England U20 is set to begin its 2025 Six Nations campaign with a crucial clash against Ireland on Thursday, January 30, at Virgin Media Park in Cork. The reigning champions, led by Mark Mapletoft, combine experience and fresh talent in an ambitious squad. Among them, Henry Pollock returns after training with the senior team, while Tom Burrow will wear the captain’s armband for the first time in an official match.
Defending the Title: England U20’s Ambition
England U20 enters the 2025 Six Nations with the goal of defending its title, kicking off against Ireland in Cork on January 30. Head coach Mark Mapletoft has assembled a squad featuring new faces ready to shine on this big stage. The team will be led by Tom Burrow, replacing Finn Carnduff as captain, and Henry Pollock, the squad’s star player, who returns after time with Steve Borthwick’s senior England setup.
With players from England’s top academies, the squad signals its high ambitions, aiming to replicate last year’s success, where they not only triumphed in this historic competition but also claimed the U20 World Championship.
Facing Ireland will be a major test. Despite holding the title, Mapletoft’s team remains focused on maintaining its high-performance standards, playing with the intensity, freedom, and power that defined their dominance in 2024. The return of Henry Pollock to the U20 squad after gaining senior experience highlights the team’s depth and versatility. Alongside Junior Kpoku and Kane James, he forms a formidable back row, crucial in setting the tone for this year’s tournament.
A Fresh-Looking Squad with Untapped Potential
Several players will be making their England U20 debuts, including Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby), and Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs), hinting at an exciting new generation. Few 2024 starters return, meaning the squad features a mix of fresh talent and emerging leaders—most notably captain Tom Burrow, who has yet to earn his first cap.
The combination of youthful exuberance and seasoned players will be key in delivering fast, uncompromising rugby, staying true to the dynamic style that has become England U20’s hallmark in recent years.
England U20 Lineup
Starting XV:
15. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, 0 caps)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 5 caps)
13. Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 6 caps)
12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, 0 caps)
11. Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby, Rosslyn Park, 0 caps)
10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 5 caps)
9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints, Ruthin RFC, 5 caps)
- Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 0 caps)
- Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 0 caps)
- Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, 9 caps)
- Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 11 caps)
- Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 0 caps)
- Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 11 caps)
- Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, Buckingham Rugby Club, 12 caps)
- Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 9 caps)
Replacements:
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 0 caps)
17. Oli Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 0 caps)
18. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 0 caps)
19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 0 caps)
20. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 2 caps)
21. Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 6 caps)
22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 10 caps)
23. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 0 caps)
