Chiefs trio included in England U20s EPS squad
Published on: 10/09/2026
Exeter Chiefs’ Ollie Batson, Morgan Crew and Ben Smith have all been included in England U20s men’s 2026/27 Elite Player Squad (EPS).
The 50-player squad includes 28 forwards and 22 backs, who will all benefit from the EPS aim to provide greater playing opportunities for international players in the ‘confirmation’ phase of their journey in the England system.
Batson’s selection follows on from his impressive summer performances as the centre continues his England pathway journey having been a part of last season’s U19s squad.
Crew and Smith are two of a 10-strong group of promising young players who signed senior academy deals with Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 season and have been embedded in a gruelling pre-season programme with the first team.
U20s men’s head coach Andy Titterrell said: “We’re delighted to announce the Elite Player Squad for the 2026/27 season, bringing together a talented group of young players from across the country who have earned this opportunity through their hard work and potential.
“Our focus remains on creating an environment where players felt supported, connected and able to enjoy their rugby, while challenging themselves to grow both on and off the field.”
Forwards
Kwame Bekoe (Leicester Tigers, Norwich Rugby Club, uncapped)
Sam Bland (Harlequins, Wharfdale, uncapped)
Charlie Bray (Sale Sharks, Preston Grasshoppers RFC, uncapped)
Fin Charles (Leicester Tigers, Newark Rugby Club, uncapped)
Morgan Crew (Exeter Chiefs, West Park Leeds RUFC, uncapped)
Leo Dickinson (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park RFC, uncapped)
Tiane Elone (Saracens, Westcombe Park RFC, uncapped)
Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby, Drybrook RFC, 4 caps)
Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 6 caps)
Ashton Graham (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, uncapped)
Jordan Ikeh (Sale Sharks, Stockport Rugby Club, uncapped)
Henry Johnson (Leicester Tigers, Oakham RFC, uncapped)
Freddie Jones (Saracens, Tunbridge Wells RFC, uncapped)
Ediz Karsak (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, uncapped)
Henry Laidlow (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, uncapped)
Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, 3 caps)
George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, 9 caps)
Rory McKnight (Bath Rugby, Chobham RFC, uncapped)
Lawrence Ogbonnaya (Sale Sharks, Winnington Park, uncapped)
Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, 5 caps)
Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, 3 caps)
Aiden Reid (Northampton Saints, Northampton School for Boys, Olney RFC, uncapped)
Ben Smith (Exeter Chiefs, Wath RFC, uncapped)
Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 8 caps)
Kaiden Watson (Harlequins, Old Whitgifians RFC, uncapped)
Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 9 caps)
Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 7 caps)
Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby, Alcester, 1 cap)
Backs
Ollie Batson (Exeter Chiefs, Exmouth RFC, uncapped)
Will Bayston (Sale Sharks, Selby RFC, uncapped)
Finlay Cunnison (Harlequins, Chobham RFC, 2 caps)
Junior Denny (Gloucester Rugby, Banbury Rugby Club, uncapped)
Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, 3 caps)
Sonny Goode (Northampton Saints, Banbury RFC, uncapped)
Kesena Izu (Leicester Tigers, Wymondham RFC, uncapped)
Zac Jones (Gloucester Rugby, Westcombe Park RFC, uncapped)
Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 13 caps)
Henry Lumley (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, uncapped)
Isaac Mears (Bath Rugby, Bath RFC, uncapped)
Will Moore (Bristol Bears, South Gower RFC, uncapped)
James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, 7 caps)
Fraser Rawlins (Saracens, Hertford RFC, uncapped)
Caspar Reeves (Bristol Bears, Crewkerne RFC, uncapped)
Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 5 caps)
Oscar Talbot (Leicester Tigers, Barkers Butts RFC, uncapped)
Charlie Tamani (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds RUFC, uncapped)
James Townsend (Leicester Tigers, Harbury RFC, uncapped)
Declan Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, uncapped)
Krystof Wood (Gloucester Rugby, Bromsgrove Rugby Club, uncapped)
Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, Bank of England RFC, 5 caps)
Written By:
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
