England U20 Men's team to face France

13 Mar 2024 | 4 min |

England U20 Men's team to face France

Mark Mapletoft has selected his match day 23 to face France in the final round of the U20 Six Nations Championship.

James Isaacs and George Makepeace-Cubitt earn their first starts for the England U20 Men’s side, two of four alterations to the starting XV with Ioan Jones (Gloucester Rugby) and Joe Bailey (Exeter Chiefs) also reintroduced.

Jones’ inclusion means Ben Redshaw takes the 11 jersey, with Jacob Oliver, Olamide Sodeke and Josh Bellamy looking to provide further support from the replacements bench.

Finn Carnduff will lead his side onto the pitch as tournament pacesetters after a 32-all draw against Ireland in Round 4 at the Recreation Ground, sitting one point ahead of last week’s opponents and five ahead of Friday’s hosts.

Sean Kerr contributed another double-figure haul from the boot in consecutive Player of the Match performances, his 12 points vital to keeping his side at the summit of the Championship table.

Carnduff, the tournament front runner in lineout takes (34), registered his third try of 2024 in Bath and earns his 15th U20 cap when he faces France, his sixth as captain.

BATH, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Finn Carnduff of England prepares whilst lining up on pitch prior to the U20 Six Nations match between England and Ireland at The Recreation Ground on March 08, 2024 in Bath, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Mapletoft and Titterrell’s cohort face a France side who have an even split of wins and defeats, coming unstuck to Ireland and Italy yet picking up the most bonus points of any side this year (five).

“The team are incredibly excited for Friday night. These are the types of fixtures we all want to be part of in rugby and we’ll savour the opportunity we now have,” said Mapletoft.

“I’ve been impressed with the resilient mindset of our team after last week’s result, it’s a strong reminder to myself, Andy and the coaches what a special group we’re lucky to possess this year. It was a fantastic crowd last week, and I want to thank all of those who have come out to support us at the Rec.

“The team have worked extremely hard and are intent on leaving their mark on this fixture, and this tournament overall, against what will be one of our biggest challenges yet in Pau.”