Mapletoft appointed England U20 Men's Head Coach
The RFU has appointed Mark Mapletoft as the new England U20 Men head coach after Alan Dickens concluded his role.
Mapletoft, who has been an assistant coach with England U18 Men since 2020, takes over as U20 head coach immediately. As a player he represented Gloucester, Harlequins and London Irish during a career which also saw him earn a Test cap for England in 1997.
The former full back and fly half has since had extensive experience mentoring age grade players, including as the national academy coach for the RFU from 2007-2010 and more than a decade coaching at Harlequins.
Mapletoft will lead England U20s on a two match tour of Georgia at the end of May, matches on Saturday 27 May and Thursday 1 June, as well as at the returning World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa running from 24 June to 14 July.
"I’m very excited to move into the head coach role with England U20 Men," said Mapletoft. "It is a big responsibility to help shape the young men coming through our pathways programme and one I’ve taken great pride in throughout my career, including when working with many of this squad’s players and those who’ve gone on to play in the England senior team in my previous roles.
"Our focus now is using the tour of Georgia to continue preparing for the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, which will be a valuable development experience for the players, by playing against a big, physical side with a set piece-focus."
Dickens, a former Sale, Leeds, Saracens and Northampton scrum half started with the RFU in December 2019 and played a vital role in the nurturing of future and now current senior England players. His tenure included guiding England to a Grand Slam U20 Six Nations title in 2021.
"I am very grateful for my time as head coach of England U20 Men," said Dickens. "The past four years have been an incredibly valuable experience and it has been an honour to have this role. I've worked alongside some excellent people in the development pathway as well as having coached the best youngsters and possible future England international players. I'm excited about my upcoming opportunity and challenges, and warmly wish the current U20s good luck for the World Cup in South Africa."
Executive Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O’Shea added: "I’d like to extend my thanks to Alan for his time as England U20 Men head coach. He’s been a big part of developing our emerging players since 2019, helping many young men grow on and off the pitch during that time. The pathways programme is one for both players and coaches, and we look forward to seeing Alan continue to develop as a coach. We wish him and his family the very best."
A recruitment process to fill Mapletoft’s previous position with the England U18 Men will begin shortly.
