Chiefs trio in U20s side to face Wales

By Mark Stevens
4/3/20

Three Exeter Chiefs players will start for England Under-20s as they look to return to winning ways in this season's Six Nations Championship against Wales on Friday night at Kingsholm (7:45pm).

Scrum-half Sam Maunder, together with back-row forwards Richard Capstick and Rus Tuima, will all feature in an England side that shows four changes from that which was beaten by Ireland a fortnight ago.

In the front row, there is a first start for Emmanuel Iyogun and a debut for fellow prop Cal Ford. The other change in the forwards sees flanker Rob Farrar make his first start for England U20s, while centre Max Ojomoh returns.

England will be captained by centre Connor Doherty, while Gloucester fly-half George Barton will be playing on home soil at Kingsholm.

Dickens’ side won their opening two fixtures of the Championship, before losing to Ireland in round three.

Dickens said: “We were frustrated with the defeat to Ireland in round three, but it’s a learning experience for the players and that is a focus for us. We have to learn the lessons and respond against Wales, who will no doubt also be tough opponents.

“For me, Kingsholm was one of the best places to come and play and we’re looking forward to being back on home soil in front of knowledgeable fans who will no doubt be vociferous in their support, which makes a huge difference to the players.

“We have several players involved in the Premiership this weekend and that is great experience for them, but in turn gives others in our squad an opportunity to show how good they are. We've named Connor as captain this week as we want to grow the leadership group which we know will be useful heading into the World Rugby U20 Championship in July. He is well respected in the group, experienced at this level and one of those players who will lead by example. My message to the squad will be to enjoy the experience, learn the lessons from Ireland and put a performance in that they are proud of and that reflects how hard they have worked this week.”

England Under-20s side to face Wales

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Bath Rugby)
13. Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks, capt)
12. Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby)
11. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
10. George Barton (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Sam Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
1. Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton Saints)
2. Theo Dan (Saracens)
3. Cal Ford (Sale Sharks)
4. Hugh Tizard (Harlequins)
5. George Hammond (Harlequins)
6. Rob Farrar (Newcastle Falcons)
7. Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs)
8. Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)

16. Sam Riley (Harlequins)
17. Sam Crean (Saracens)
18. Harvey Beaton (Saracens)
19. Alex Groves (Bristol Bears)
20. Jack Clement (Gloucester)
21. Jack Van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
22. Will Haydon-Wood (Newcastle Falcons)
23. Josh Gillespie (Northampton Saints)