Lilley set to start in England U20s’ first world championship game

Exeter Chiefs’ young Devon-born centre Nick Lilley will start for England U20s as they begin their 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship campaign.

Lilley, who began playing rugby for Ivybridge RFC before moving Exeter College and the University of Exeter, has been on loan this season for Plymouth Albion. He also featured for Chiefs in games against Newcastle Red Bulls, Northampton Saints and Ulster Rugby.

Scrum-half George Newman, formerly of Truro RFC, will also be looking to get time off the bench as the England U20s men face Ireland on matchday one at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia (KO 12:30 BST).

This will mark Lilley’s 14th cap for the U20s and the second for Newman.

Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Nick is a seasoned U20s player these days and no stranger to the World Rugby Junior World Championship. As a younger player, he has been honing his skills, to match his athletic ability, with Albion. He is making great strides in his development as a club player and for England U20s. We wish him, and George, well for this tournament.”

Bath Rugby No 8 Connor Treacey will lead his country for the first time at a Junior World Championship fixture this weekend, securing his 13th cap for the pathway side.

Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints) and Saracens pair Zac Finch and Alan Poku are awarded their first caps and full U20 debuts under head coach Andy Titterrell.

Harlequins’ Jimmy Staples, Elliot Williams and Tate Williams, alongside James Pater (Northampton Saints) and Sam Winters (Bath Rugby), are set for their first Junior World Championship appearances.

England U20s will continue their Junior World Championship campaign against USA on Thursday, 2 July (15:00 BST kick-off) at Avchala Stadium. All England fixtures will be broadcast live on RugbyPass TV in the UK.

Titterrell said: “This fixture marks an important step in our ongoing development as a squad, and it’s brilliant to see players take ownership of their roles with real energy and intent as we begin the Junior World Championship.

“We’re committed to providing the right level of support to help this group grow, continue building strong connections on and off the field, and most importantly, ensuring they enjoy the experience while representing England.

“Congratulations to our debutants, who have earned their opportunity. We look forward to Saturday being a key continuation of the squad’s journey together and a chance to showcase their hard work.”

ENGLAND U20S

15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, 5 caps)
14 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, uncapped)
13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 13 caps)
12 Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 9 caps)
11 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 1 cap)
10 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
9 Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 13 caps)
1 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
2 Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club, 5 caps)
3 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 6 caps)
4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 5 caps)
5 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 14 caps)
6 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 3 caps)
7 Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC, 7 caps)
8 Connor Treacey (c) (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 12 caps)

Replacements:
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 2 caps)
17 Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 5 caps)
18 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 5 caps)
19 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 3 caps)
20 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, uncapped)
21 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, 1 cap) 
22 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 4 caps)
23 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 8 caps)