From April 10th to 18th, the town of Vichy in France is playing host to the 2025 edition of the Men’s U18 Six Nations Festival. Over three matchdays, eight European nations – the traditional Six Nations sides joined by Spain and Georgia – will battle it out on the turf of Stade Louis Darragon. But more than just wins and losses are at stake: this is about shaping the future of international rugby. For unions, it’s a chance to begin identifying tomorrow’s senior internationals. For players, it’s a vital platform to impress ahead of key milestones to come. In the heart of this developmental cauldron, England’s young stars will be looking to prove their potential.
An ambitious and well-drilled English crop.
Under the guidance of Jonathan Pendlebury, England’s U18 side – the next generation of the Red Rose, will open their campaign against Scotland with a largely revamped squad but a united sense of purpose: learn fast, grow together, and begin laying the foundations for future senior success. Once again, the coaching staff are putting a strong emphasis on personal development, encouraging players to take ownership of their journey while fully buying into the team dynamic. “This tournament is a brilliant opportunity for them to take responsibility and improve week on week,” Pendlebury explains.
Among the standout names in this new-look side is captain Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby), who caught the eye in England’s recent test against Japan in March. He’s joined by Oscar Talbot (Leicester Tigers), starting at fly-half and already known for his tactical nous and game management. George Marsh, also of Leicester Tigers, slots in at number 8 and will be key to England’s forward platform, bringing both power and composure in the tight exchanges.
There’s strong depth on the bench too, with impact players like Matthew Branch-Holland (Saracens) and James Townsend (Leicester Tigers) ready to bring fresh energy as the match wears on.
More than individual names, this squad reflects the strength in depth of the English talent pool, shaped by both professional academies and grassroots clubs. Each player is developing in a dual environment, academically and athletically, which enhances both maturity and adaptability. And those qualities will be essential in Vichy, where the demanding schedule (three fixtures in just eight days) and a wide range of opposition styles, from the structure of Georgia to the flair of Spain, will test every ounce of their skill and resilience.
Yet it is precisely this challenge that forges character in young internationals. For many of these lads, it’s their first time representing England on foreign soil, with all the responsibility and pressure that brings. The coaching staff are fully aware that this Festival isn’t just about lifting a trophy, it’s about learning how to endure. And with that mindset, England are heading into the competition with calm focus and a clear ambition to build for the future.
England U18 Men’s team to face Scotland :
15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, The Leys School, 1 cap)
14 Junior Denny (Gloucester Rugby, Banbury Rugby Club, Bloxham School, 1 cap)
13 Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, Bank of England RFC, Clifton College, 4 caps)
12 Will Knight (c) (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, Hartpury College, 1 cap)
11 Charlie Tamani (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, Finborough School 1 cap)
10 Oscar Talbot (Leicester Tigers, Barkers Butts RFC, Rugby School, 1 cap)
9 Isaac Mears (Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School, 1 cap)
1 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, Bishop Wand School, 1 cap)
2 Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby, Drybrook RFC, Hartpury College, 1 cap)
3 Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby, Alcester, Stourport High School & Sixth Form College, 1 cap)
4 Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, Dean Close School, 1 cap)
5 Henry Laidlow (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, Trinity School, 1 cap)
6 Elliot Williams (c) (Harlequins, Gordon’s School, 7 caps) *
7 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, Northampton School for Boys, 1 cap)
8 George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, Denstone College, 1 cap)
Replacements :
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, Bishop Wand School, 1 cap)
17 Oliver Spencer (Yorkshire Academy, Harrogate RUFC, Grammar School at Leeds, 1 cap)
18 Sam Bland (Yorkshire Academy, Wharfdale, Bishop Burton College, 1 cap)
19 Archie Appleby (Northampton Saints, Hadleigh RUFC, Sedbergh School, 1 cap)
20 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, Worth School, 1 cap)
21 Matthew Branch-Holland (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, Ravens Wood, 3 caps)
22 James Townsend (Leicester Tigers, Harbury Rugby Football Club, Warwick School, 1 cap)
23 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians, Northampton School for Boys, 1 cap)
24 Declan Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton RFC, Beechen Cliff School, 1 cap)
25 Henry Lumley (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, Finborough School, 1 cap)
26 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, Ravens Wood, uncapped)
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