As the 2025 Six Nations U20 tournament approaches, the England U20 team is preparing to defend its title with ambition. Under the leadership of Mark Mapletoft, this new chapter promises excitement with a largely revamped squad and the addition of a key new member to the coaching staff. This gathering marks a crucial step for these young talents aiming to shine on the international stage.
Mark Mapletoft’s Squad for the 2025 Six Nations U20 Tournament
Mark Mapletoft, head coach of the England U20 team, has announced a 32-player squad in preparation for the 2025 Six Nations U20 tournament. This group will gather this weekend at the University of Warwick to kick off their title defense, following their success in 2024, which saw them win both the Six Nations and the U20 World Cup. Mapletoft will have five players with previous U20 caps, alongside a majority of uncapped players, while Dave Walder, former Newcastle coach and Bristol Bears attack coach, joins the coaching staff as the new attack coach.
The five players who have already represented England U20 are Josh Bellamy (Harlequins), Jack Bracken (Saracens), Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs), Kane James (Exeter Chiefs), and George Timmins (Bath Rugby). Twenty-seven of the 32 players selected will be participating at this level for the first time, although 22 of them have previously featured for England U18 under Jonathan Pendlebury and Will Parkin during recent camps. This new generation will also have the chance to showcase their talent in a friendly match against Cambridge RUFC ahead of the tournament, which begins on January 30 in Cork against Ireland.
The coaching staff also strengthens with the arrival of Dave Walder, who will be in charge of the attack. James Mealing, a physical preparation specialist, completes the coaching team to support the players’ development. Mapletoft said: “This camp is the perfect opportunity for new players to express themselves in an England U20 shirt and demonstrate their ability to integrate into our group. We are focusing on the principles of our development pathway but also on responsibility, both on and off the field, which is crucial to strengthening the team spirit within our squad.”
Here is the list of players selected for this camp at the University of Warwick:
Forwards (17 players):
- Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
- Tom Burrow (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Jos Gilmore (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
- Reggie Hammick (Saracens, uncapped)
- Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
- Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Alfie Longstaff (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
- Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Oli Scola (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
- Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, uncapped)
- Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, uncapped)
- Ethan Surrey (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
- George Timmins (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
- Sam Williams (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Backs (15 players):
- Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
- Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, 10 caps)
- Jack Bracken (Saracens, 5 caps)
- Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
- Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Charlie Griffin (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
- Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
- Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
- Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
- Frank McMillan (Harlequins, uncapped)
- George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
- Campbell Ridl (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
- Jez Tuima (Provence, uncapped)
- Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
- Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
