Chiefs duo in England U-20s squad

Exeter Chiefs duo Jack Innard and Sam Skinner have both been named in the England Under-20s squad to take on Ireland tomorrow night at Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin (kick off 7.05pm, live on Sky Sports).

Head Coach Jon Callard has made six changes from the side that beat Italy 61-0, with 2014 Junior World Championship winners Aaron Morris and Nick Tompkins both coming back into the starting fifteen.

There is also an Under-20 debut for fly-half Oliver Bryant, while James Mitchell, Ciaran Parker and Joe Batley all make their first starts.

Back-row forward Skinner made his 20s debut against Italy at Plymouth earlier this month, whilst hooker Innard is included for the first time at international level. Scrum-half Stuart Townsend, who has featured in England’s opening two games, does not feature on this occasion.

Ireland currently sit top of the Under 20 Six Nations table, with two wins from two, and Callard is aware of the task in hand.

He said: “Playing Ireland in Ireland will be a huge test – it’s one of the biggest in rugby. And from what we’ve seen they are a very good, physical side with lots of pace. But we’re excited by that, we’ve got pace in our side and on the 4G pitch it should make for a great spectacle.

“We’ve had an excellent week training, and although we have had to be patient regarding the availability of a couple of players, it’s great experience for our guys.

“We’re delighted to bring Nick and Aaron back into the fold, excellent medical work from both club and the union has seen them both back fit and raring to go. They both played last season and that experience and know-how should stand us in good stead.”

 

England Under-20s starting XV against Ireland

15 Aaron Morris (Saracens)

14 George Perkins (Saracens)

13 Joe Marchant (Harlequins)

12 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)

11 Howard Packman (Northampton Saints)

10 Oliver Bryant (Leicester Tigers)

9 James Mitchell (Sale Sharks)

1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Rugby)

2 Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)

3 Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks)

4 Kieran Treadwell (Harlequins)

5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, capt)

6 Joe Batley (Gloucester Rugby)

7 Will Owen (Leicester Tigers)

8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)

 

Replacements:

16 Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs) 

17 Seb Adeniran-Olule (Harlequins)

18 Paul Hill (Yorkshire Carnegie)

19 Charlie Beckett (Leicester Tigers)

20 Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs) 

21 Will Homer (Bath Rugby)

22 Piers O'Conor (Wasps Rugby)

23 Tom Howe (Wasps Rugby)