Mapletoft names squad to face Argentina in U20 Championship opener

27 Jun 2024 | 4 min |

Mapletoft names squad to face Argentina in U20 Championship opener

Mark Mapletoft has named his England U20 Men's matchday side for their opening game of the World Rugby U20 Championship against Argentina.

The first England U20 Men’s matchday 23 of the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship has been confirmed, as Mark Mapletoft’s men ready themselves for the challenge of Argentina.

England U20 Men take on Los Pumitas this Saturday (29th, 13:00 BST kick-off) at Athlone Stadium, with the fixture available to view live on RugbyPass TV.

Finn Carnduff continues his leadership role as captain of the U20 Men side after leading his country to Under-20 Six Nations glory for the first time in three years back in March. Leicester Tigers’ Carnduff has since made his full Gallagher Premiership debut and appeared in an Investec Champions Cup fixture against Leinster Rugby.

Wing Jack Bracken (Saracens) and scrum half Ollie Allan (Leicester Tigers) will earn their first competitive U20 Men’s caps for England against Alvaro Galindo’s side. Replacements Cam Miell (Leicester Tigers), Lucas Friday (Harlequins) and Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs) could also be in line for their maiden U20 appearances.

Eighteen of the matchday 23 have featured for Mapletoft in the recent Under-20 Six Nations campaign, with seven of those returning for their second World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa this summer.

Following on from the U20 Men’s squad announcement, Louie Gulley of Exeter Chiefs joins up with the team and replaces Newcastle Falcons’ Jacob Oliver in the touring party for the tournament’s remainder.

The pathway side have emerged victorious in three previous meetings with Argentina at the U20 Championships, with their last meeting in 2018 seeing Ben Curry and Marcus Smith star in a 39-18 win for England.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture, Mark Mapletoft spoke of the team’s anticipation to return to the international stage at Athlone Stadium.

“The coaches and I have been encouraged with the ownership taken by this group in training,” he said.

“Their impressive effort made selection no easy task, and I would like to congratulate all on their work ethic and determination. We’re looking to see these high standards maintained through our replacements who will energise the group throughout what will be a thoroughly demanding opening game against Argentina.

“Our boys are keen to make the first positive step this Saturday and continue their exemplary displays of Brotherhood this week into a match scenario.”